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
Relevance
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vicious circle
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
Underspending on education has yielded a vicious circle, experts say.
—Vivian Yee, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle 
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
Underspending on education has yielded a vicious circle, experts say.
—Vivian Yee, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
-
For Toyota, which announced its partnership during the keynote, this means faster development cycles and more consistent safety features across its vehicle line-up.Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
-
Three years back, Ross had an ugly falling out with coach Brian Flores, a popular candidate in this year’s hiring cycle for his work as Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator.Tim Graham, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Debenhams, once a national department store chain, is now an online-only business, while the number of House of Fraser stores has nearly halved since retailer Mike Ashley took over the franchise.Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
-
Delgado’s death sets off a chain of events in the episodes that follow.Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The researchers acquired these bits from four individuals and cut out circles one or two millimeters across for genetic sequencing.Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2025
-
Those big circles represent data from government monitoring stations that operate across the country.Paresh Dave, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, which leads Indianapolis' continuum of care for homeless services, received $1.25 million in 2020.Jordan Smith, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
-
The University of Hawaii Community Colleges have focused on building capacity across their seven-campus system to support students on a clear continuum of opportunities in critical industries.Matt Gandal, Forbes, 19 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 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share