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
  • The design reflects the cycles of the moon and the short life of the cactus flower, giving this important structure a unique and personal feel.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Why the timing matters The agreement comes as advanced nuclear technologies and other energy systems drive demand for manufacturing methods that can shorten development cycles while producing increasingly complex components.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of cycles
Noun
  • Not to mention, few studios have purchased cinemas even after the Department of Justice rescinded the 1948 Paramount Consent Decrees, which previously disallowed studios from owning movie theater chains.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The movies will screen at about 200 AMC locations, among other chains.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • Piker was known for years as a popular Twitch streamer before emerging this year as an increasingly influential political voice in certain Democratic circles that are seeking to push the party to the left.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026
  • All of this spins out from the White House in a series of concentric circles.
    — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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