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
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
This creates a vicious circle: SNAP facilitates purchases of products that fuel chronic disease, and Medicaid pays the price to treat it.
—Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Although the head coach has a squad deep in quantity and quality, periods with several players out injured can be a vicious circle for Hurzeler.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Dreaming of owning For now, scores of Londoners are trapped in a vicious circle.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2025
This creates a vicious circle: SNAP facilitates purchases of products that fuel chronic disease, and Medicaid pays the price to treat it.
—Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Although the head coach has a squad deep in quantity and quality, periods with several players out injured can be a vicious circle for Hurzeler.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Dreaming of owning For now, scores of Londoners are trapped in a vicious circle.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
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History suggests that without robust organization, protest cycles repeat fruitlessly—or worse, create openings for intervention or authoritarian alternatives.—
Narges Bajoghli,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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Carter is the fourth transfer portal player to commit to the Hurricanes this cycle, joining wide receivers Cam Vaughn and Vandrevius Jacobs as well as defensive back Omar Thornton.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The burger chain originally opened in 1982 near the corner of C Street and Elvas Avenue in East Sacramento, according to previous Bee reporting.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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Maybe the implications of binding yourself in chains?—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The essay sparked public discussion — and some backlash — including social media reactions from Meghan Trainor and Matthew Koma, Hilary Duff’s husband, both of whom are alleged to have been part of the same circle.—
Sarah Jones,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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Mercer gave the Devils a 1-0 lead midway through the first period on their first shot on goal of the game, a one-timer from the inside edge of the right circle off a pass from Nico Hischier from behind the goal line.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The continuum of behavioral health care — safety, quality — is a message that resonates in Sacramento, Grinder said.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
12 Jan. 2026
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The continuum of problem drinking There aren’t just two types of drinkers –– those who have a problem and those who don’t have to worry about it, Dick said.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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