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
  • Medenbach revealed that after 100 charging and discharging cycles, the lab cell showed no significant degradation.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The Bills put the Chiefs linebackers in the spin cycles, targeting Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox and even third tight end Jackson Hawes.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Stakeholders will closely monitor effects on private grocery chains, jobs, and the overall cost of living in the city.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Play Haus embraces child-like maximalism with candy-bright color palettes, cartoonish ceramics, paper chains, and a touch of chaos.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • What's really behind the baby bust The reasons Americans choose not to have children are hotly debated in academic circles, with many attributing America’s baby bust to shifting priorities and societal norms.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Ankle circles Sit or stand and slowly draw large circles with your foot, moving from your ankle joint rather than your toes.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
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 11 Nov. 2025.

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