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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What other food delights the pop-ups have in store this theater cycle only the chefs at the resort know for certain.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2025
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Use the pullback in this cycle and any NASDAQ weakness to accumulate shares.—
Bill Sarubbi,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Retail chain Joann is shutting down all of its fabric stores — including several Sacramento-area locations — after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and being sold to a new ownership group.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
26 Feb. 2025
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Million of birds have been culled since December amid infections among egg-laying hens from California to Iowa, causing grocery stores to limit purchases and breakfast chains including Waffle House and Denny's to add surcharges to orders with eggs.—
Kate Gibson,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The event was hosted at the Cambridge Tea House in Columbus, with several other members of the Blue Jackets circle in attendance, including Maggie Jenner, the wife of Boone Jenner.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
23 Feb. 2025
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One of the most popular hikes, the 5-mile Canyon Loop Trail, circles nine of the canyons.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
23 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
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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