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.
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Recent Examples of vicious circle
Drought is a vicious circle for farmers: As rainfall decreases, the soil compresses.
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Jack Thompson, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Jan. 2024
Perhaps in telling this tale Smith held out the hope that the best of monarchs, like the best of emperors, Augustus, could break this vicious circle.
—Iain Murray, National Review, 16 Dec. 2023
Another said France’s government was dragging its partners into a vicious circle of growing distrust with the country’s new authorities that could erode Europe’s broader involvement in the region.
—Elian Peltier, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2023
Underspending on education has yielded a vicious circle, experts say.
—Vivian Yee, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle 
Jack Thompson, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Jan. 2024
Perhaps in telling this tale Smith held out the hope that the best of monarchs, like the best of emperors, Augustus, could break this vicious circle.
—Iain Murray, National Review, 16 Dec. 2023
Another said France’s government was dragging its partners into a vicious circle of growing distrust with the country’s new authorities that could erode Europe’s broader involvement in the region.
—Elian Peltier, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2023
Underspending on education has yielded a vicious circle, experts say.
—Vivian Yee, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
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Shein is known for producing fashion at a pace that outstrips both trend cycles and consumer demand.Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2025
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For Toyota, which announced its partnership during the keynote, this means faster development cycles and more consistent safety features across its vehicle line-up.Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Delgado’s death sets off a chain of events in the episodes that follow.Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 9 Jan. 2025
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As Texans prepare for the weather, some of the area’s largest grocery chains have seen an increase in demand for staple items, like bottled water, milk, eggs, cereal, bread, peanut butter and paper goods.Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The 50-day moving average crossed below the 200-day moving average back in mid-June (tiny red circle).John Navin, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
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Never a perfect circle, but dependably rotund, the doughnuts are large enough to tear at greedily and still last the entire drive home.Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, which leads Indianapolis' continuum of care for homeless services, received $1.25 million in 2020.Jordan Smith, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
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The University of Hawaii Community Colleges have focused on building capacity across their seven-campus system to support students on a clear continuum of opportunities in critical industries.Matt Gandal, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near vicious circle
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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