vicious circles

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
Noun
  • Markets and economies alike move in cycles.
    Gail Krishnan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
  • Having worked in freight markets for almost four decades, Rick LaGore, CEO of InTek Logistics, has observed multiple cycles of volatility in the industry.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • But in the past few years, his shop Freak House, located near Downtown Dadeland in Kendall, became the go-to spot for fashion-forward goths looking for platform boots, silver chains, dragon figurines and an array of funky fashion.
    Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
  • In a city already destabilized by unlawful tax foreclosure, fraudsters found opportunity in homes burdened by vacancy and broken chains of ownership.
    Donovan McCarty, The Conversation, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The active ingredients in the formula include niacinamide, adenosine, and allantoin, which work together to brighten dark circles, smooth fine lines, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles without irritating sensitive skin.
    Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 June 2026
  • The case reignited debate over corruption in Moroccan political circles.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
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.

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“Vicious circles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicious%20circles. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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