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
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.
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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
This vicious circle is not limited to the immediacy of violent episodes, but reaches out, marring relationships and coloring worldviews with shame and fear.
—Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for 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
This vicious circle is not limited to the immediacy of violent episodes, but reaches out, marring relationships and coloring worldviews with shame and fear.
—Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for vicious circle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circle
Noun
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During the 2024 election cycle, Trump rarely spoke with mainstream media outlets, opting to mostly do interviews with Fox News and various podcasts instead.Nicholas Rice, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
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In this election cycle, Scott leapfrogged over Democratic Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in Miami-Dade, winning the county by nearly 10 percentage points.Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Make extra chains to use in garlands, on mantels, and around doorways.Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
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The North American resort chain best known for its indoor water parks offers seemingly endless activities for kids at no extra charge – plus all-inclusive dining packages for children and free, daily breakfast packages that further add to the resort’s incredible value.Gina Kramer, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Unconventional relationships could arise from your social circles or perhaps an unexpected source that brings excitement to your love life.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
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Begin building a strong reputation outside your immediate circle.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Each dimension reflects a continuum of traits, influencing a wide range of behaviors, including our ability to remain healthy and take care of ourselves.Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
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Precisely for this reason, what is particularly important is the undertone of the brown lipstick, which can be pinkish or orange to create a continuum with the complexion, avoiding creating disharmonious contrasts.Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 28 Oct. 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 17 Dec. 2024.
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