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
Relevance
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vicious circle
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
This vicious circle is not limited to the immediacy of violent episodes, but reaches out, marring relationships and coloring worldviews with shame and fear.
—Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for 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
This vicious circle is not limited to the immediacy of violent episodes, but reaches out, marring relationships and coloring worldviews with shame and fear.
—Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
-
That Hebrew calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar cycles.James Powel, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
-
An ongoing cycle also: Guarantees timely treatment or adjustments Minimizes severe complications Reduces emergency room visits Improves disease outcomes Ensures higher quality of life Improving Critical Care The promptness of telemedicine can be crucial for saving lives.Ethan Stone, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Don't focus on loyalty programs (some of the best international hotels are not affiliated with large chains that provide points for a stay).T+L Editors, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024
-
What China needed was something like a final emperor, the breaker of the despotic chain who would summon modernity by fiat.Chang Che, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
One of the transactions being bandied about currently in league circles is whether Denver will pull the trigger on acquiring score-first All-Star guard Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.Evan Sidery, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
-
Critical thinking certainly has been lost in certain circles over the past few years.Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
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
-
Each dimension reflects a continuum of traits, influencing a wide range of behaviors, including our ability to remain healthy and take care of ourselves.Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 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 27 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share