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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vicious circle
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
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
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle 
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
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
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
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Estrogen supports hair growth by extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, James says.—
Eva Crouse,
Flow Space,
31 Jan. 2025
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The increasing politicisation and polarisation around climate action are leading to short-term policy cycles driven by electoral considerations rather than long-term climate strategy.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Los Angeles only has a volunteer, part-time and mostly teenage hand crew, who use axes, shovels and chain saws to stop wildfires spreading, according to the Post.—
Chris Boyette,
CNN,
21 Jan. 2025
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State of play: Peter Morton sold his interest in the cafe chain in 1996.—
Carrie Shepherd,
Axios,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Opt for a shade that’s one or two shades lighter than your skin tone, and those with dark circles can use color-correcting concealer to appear more awake.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2025
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So expectations in Republican circles are that Trump Jr. would not challenge Vance in the 2028 GOP presidential primaries.—
Paul Bedard,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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And so there’s a continuum out there amongst species that is not all genetically related according to the family tree.—
Janna Levin,
Quanta Magazine,
21 Nov. 2024
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Combine several species and varieties to produce a continuum of blooms from fall to spring.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
22 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 4 Feb. 2025.
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