vicious circles

noun

variants also vicious cycles
plural of vicious circle
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
  1. cycles
  2. chains
  3. circles
Noun
  • While those cycles are inevitable, specialization remains one of the few competitive advantages that investors can control.
    — James Nelson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Engineers had to account for the stresses of freeze-thaw cycles, which can gradually damage waterproofing layers, crack concrete and masonry, and create leaks.
    — Jennifer Tucker, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of cycles
Noun
  • Feltheimer joins fellow deal supporters TKO CEO Ari Emanuel and the CEOs of major theater chains AMC and Regal, who have recently made public comments on it.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
  • An outpost of one of the Philippines' most beloved fast-food chains will finally open its doors in Roseville this week.
    — Molly Riehl, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • In recent years, as Grande has risen to super stardom, her physical appearance has been put under the microscope in certain online circles.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 2 Aug. 2026
  • First Fridays may bring a night market; meditation and healing circles happen in a back room, with Indigenous practices led by Indigenous people.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of circles
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.

Browse Nearby Words

vicious circle
vicious circles
viciously
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Cite this Entry

“Vicious circles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circles. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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