variants
also vicious cycle
as in cycle
a repeating situation or condition in which one problem causes another problem that makes the first problem worse
We're trapped in a vicious circle of needing to borrow money in order to pay debts.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vicious circle
Deflation could lead to a vicious circle by driving down spending and investment, which in turn lead to weaker economic growth and higher unemployment.
—
Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024
This dynamic, whereby American conspiracy theorists and foreign intelligence operatives feed off one another in a vicious circle, is not new.
—Olga Belogolova, Foreign Affairs, 3 May 2024
Critics argue Musk has trapped Tesla in a vicious circle by training consumers to postpone their purchase in the hopes of getting a better deal in the future.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 12 Feb. 2024
Drought is a vicious circle for farmers: As rainfall decreases, the soil compresses.
—Jack Thompson, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024
This dynamic, whereby American conspiracy theorists and foreign intelligence operatives feed off one another in a vicious circle, is not new.
—Olga Belogolova, Foreign Affairs, 3 May 2024
Critics argue Musk has trapped Tesla in a vicious circle by training consumers to postpone their purchase in the hopes of getting a better deal in the future.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 12 Feb. 2024
Drought is a vicious circle for farmers: As rainfall decreases, the soil compresses.
—Jack Thompson, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
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In a November call, Iger also highlighted the virtuous cycle of Disney.—
Georg Szalai,
The Hollywood Reporter,
20 Mar. 2025
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In 2008, Banks welcomed King to join the competition in pursuit of a modeling contract worth $100,000, after King impressed the supermodel with her poses as an extra during a separate ANTM shoot centered around homelessness on cycle 10 one year prior.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Artificial Intelligence will soon take fast-food orders at 500 major chains including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA TODAY,
22 Mar. 2025
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The Cheesecake Factory menu gets a makeover The casual dining restaurant chain is ditching 13 menu items and replacing them with 20 new dishes and cocktails.—
Jade Walker,
CNN,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The left circle encompasses the lens, while the right circle is a large, easily identifiable status light that glows green when active.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
19 Mar. 2025
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The circle could be completed for Craig Kimbrel, the longtime former Braves closer who signed a minor-league contract with his original team on Tuesday.—
Ken Rosenthal,
The Athletic,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Add to that integration with other Adobe apps such as Express, Fresco, and Lightroom for a continuum of editing possibilities.—
Michael Muchmore,
PCMAG,
25 Feb. 2025
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Infuse Flexibility Into Your Plan And Documents Given the broad continuum of possible estate tax outcomes, all of which might change in a future administration, evaluate different options for integrating flexibility into your plan and documents.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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