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
If people believed that inner joy was an index of personal redemption, then some might also read their own low mood as signs of their abandonment by God and fall into a vicious circle of self-reinforcing anguish.
—
Literary Hub, 10 Mar. 2026
Hamas may commit to some version of disarmament, but their militant ideology, desire for influence over Gaza’s future, and the presence of the IDF will give them a thousand reasons not to give up their arms, and their failure to do so, in turn, will give the IDF reason to stay—a vicious circle.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2025
But Carter, who still suffers nightmares and panic attacks, found himself in a vicious circle of mental breakdowns followed by escalating sanctions, each leaving Carter further from receiving effective treatment and further from getting paroled, Margolis said.
—Paul Egan, Freep.com, 6 May 2025
This vicious circle means that for electric-plane design, adding batteries to boost range isn't a viable strategy.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 May 2016
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Literary Hub, 10 Mar. 2026
Hamas may commit to some version of disarmament, but their militant ideology, desire for influence over Gaza’s future, and the presence of the IDF will give them a thousand reasons not to give up their arms, and their failure to do so, in turn, will give the IDF reason to stay—a vicious circle.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2025
But Carter, who still suffers nightmares and panic attacks, found himself in a vicious circle of mental breakdowns followed by escalating sanctions, each leaving Carter further from receiving effective treatment and further from getting paroled, Margolis said.
—Paul Egan, Freep.com, 6 May 2025
This vicious circle means that for electric-plane design, adding batteries to boost range isn't a viable strategy.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 May 2016
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
-
Scientists have documented that increasingly brighter nights are altering animal behavior, reproduction cycles and survival.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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The feature sees the singer go through the highs and lows of fame including opening up about her struggles with mental health and touches on her decision to freeze her eggs for a future IVF cycle.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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An aspiring author had sent Hoover their manuscript, also copying a fraudulent email impersonating Hoover on the email chain.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
-
That means following the full chain of activity — from those who target homeowners to anyone inside the system who may be enabling or overlooking fraudulent transfers.—
Darlene Mealy,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In her once-easy-to-navigate social circles, communication was often even harder.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
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The issue is moving beyond niche environmental circles and into mainstream public concern that crosses culture-war boundaries.—
Justin Zorn,
STAT,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Gore suggested this might put AI models on a continuum of consciousness starting with some animals.—
Rob Pegoraro,
PC Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
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That place is called Vi at Aventura — a vibrant independent living community that offers a continuum of on-site care, should the need arise.—
Vi at Aventura,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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