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
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
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
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle 
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
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
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
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Options include a summary of your daily activity, an overview of your sleep, an alarm, a timer, world clocks, cycle tracking, a calendar, and even a blood oxygen tile that allows for on-demand measurements.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
11 Feb. 2025
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European banks have been faced with the challenge of acclimating to an environment of declining interest rates, as the European Central Bank continues its cycle of monetary easing.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Denny’s is closing dozens of restaurants The American diner is closing at least 30 of its restaurants as part of the struggling chain’s plans to jumpstart growth.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN,
14 Feb. 2025
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Some grocery chains, including Trader Joe’s and Kroger, have placed limits on the amount of eggs shoppers can purchase in an attempt to address the shortage.—
Caroline Petrow-Cohen,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Dollop the meringue onto the circle in a tall mound, almost like a column.—
Martin Sorge,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
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The selection of Jorge Mendes as his agent will certainly reduce sympathy for him in some circles.—
Jack Lang,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
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And so there’s a continuum out there amongst species that is not all genetically related according to the family tree.—
Janna Levin,
Quanta Magazine,
21 Nov. 2024
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Combine several species and varieties to produce a continuum of blooms from fall to spring.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
22 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 22 Feb. 2025.
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