variants
also vicious cycles
as in cycles
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious circles
Noun
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Painful nodules, recurring abscesses and slow-healing lesions often come and go in cycles, with symptoms that shift in severity and location over time.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
18 May 2026 -
Without that, review cycles slip, conflicts accumulate and the clean knowledge base the company started with quietly reverts to its prior state.—
Philip Brittan,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
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Addressing Canal+‘s investment in UGC, one of France’s top exhibition chains, Saada sought to downplay suggestions of an imminent takeover while leaving the door open to a future acquisition.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
18 May 2026
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The drinks are also sold at smaller chains and independent stores, including Lazy Acres, Rainbow Acres and Happier Grocery in New York City.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Noun
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On the other hand, those who carry heterosis face discrimination from within their own circles — Jim is cast out from by the gym queen crowd when his positive test for the virus is exposed — in a clear parallel for how HIV+ people are often treated in gay circles.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
15 May 2026
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As someone who started wearing makeup in high school to hide my dark under-eye circles and unyielding teenage acne, color correctors and concealers have long been mainstays in my makeup bag.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Vicious circles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circles. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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