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
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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Once that cycle is complete, the hair follicle remains active for about three months before repeating the process all over again.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Washington, while searching for more big-play potential out of the backfield, showed interest in Henderson throughout this draft cycle.—
Ben Standig,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Rabbi Anne wears a keepsake from her grandfather — a metal thimble that dangles from a silver chain around her neck.—
Hollace Ava Weiner,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2025
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The broken bangle was remade into something else entirely: a smooth, curved jade pendant attached to a 22-karat gold chain.—
Sadiya Ansari Spandita Malik,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And so with perfect timing and wry irony, just as the unremovable blue circle turned up on billions of phones, WhatsApp quietly confirmed the solution.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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The strong support helped sophomore Kendall Pemberton gut out a win in the circle.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Tribal dancers stomp and sway alongside breakdancers, all in one continuous shot that becomes an anachronistic continuum of Black musical expression across the ages.—
A.A. Dowd,
Rolling Stone,
17 Apr. 2025
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The program, now in its 23rd year, partners with programs serving elderly and incapacitated adults across Lake County to develop a continuum of elder law advocacy and guardianship services, the release said.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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