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
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
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
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
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
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
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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While Bluspark isn't a household name, its software supports a large slice of global shipping, including major retailers, grocery chains and manufacturers.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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Now, other small chains are seeing explosive growth.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The report calls into question assumptions in many circles, including in the White House, that a Russian victory in Ukraine is inevitable and incoming.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
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Pastrnak cruised above the circles, trying to buy time for someone to get open.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, Altman trolls on X, and Musk seems to exist in a continuum of AI slop and conspiracy theories.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
28 Jan. 2026
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To go from a franchise that enjoyed a 30-year continuum of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers at QB to a franchise that has spent almost as long looking for a failing to find the next Marino or even an acceptable facsimile.—
Greg Cote
January 22,
Miami Herald,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vicious circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circle. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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