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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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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For proper care, the brand recommends washing it separately in cold water and using a gentle cycle.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Models moved through three zones, depicting cycles of consumption, perception and response in daily life.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The effects could ripple up the chain to textile makers and farmers as everyone seeks lower prices to save costs.—
Marc Bain and Joan Kennedy,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
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In the case of Tom’s, Schaden says teams are eager partners given the chain’s ability to bring in crowds even when there isn’t an event at the venue.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The idea gained additional attention in right-wing circles after Republican Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles in January proposed changing the Constitution to allow Trump to serve a third term in office.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
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Demons move in waves over cliffs slick with rain, cultists chanting in perfect circles, pentagrams glowing beneath their feet.—
Kazuma Hashimoto,
Rolling Stone,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The film returns us to a childlike gaze, marveling at a world alive with possibility, where every sight lives on a continuum of meaning.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
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Visitors enter through the TARDIS spaceship to see all 17 of the Doctor's costumes and learn about scientific topics that informed the show from the space-time continuum to AI to cloning.—
Kate Murphy,
Axios,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
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