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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Democrats are putting faith in him to blaze a trail in the state after struggling electorally in recent cycles, hoping his message of unity will resonate with their fellow Iowans.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 June 2026 -
Period underwear can be worn just like regular underwear, and washed in the laundry to be reused between menstruating days or cycles.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Her presence is heralded not by the sounds of howls, roars or clanking chains, but by the shutting of the door to her study, the scrape of her chair as it is pulled towards her desk, and the clanking of her type-writer keys.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
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Foot-traffic data show shoppers fleeing apparel, electronics and home-furnishing chains for warehouse clubs, supermarkets and dollar stores, while toys and beauty products remain rare splurges in an increasingly needs-first marketplace.—
Anne D’Innocenzio,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Swayne, a native of Reno, was well known in local cycling circles.—
Daniel Hunt,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
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Pope Leo's statement is one of many debates being had in religious circles about the implications of AI and how parishioners should or should not engage with the rapidly growing technology.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
29 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 9 Jun. 2026.
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