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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Donut Lab says the battery can deliver up to 100,000 charge cycles with minimal capacity fade, while retaining more than 99% capacity in temperatures ranging from –30°C (–22°F) to above 100°C (above 212°F), without ignition or performance loss.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Jan. 2026 -
From trad wives to spin classes to caregiving, Smithuijsen reveals how late stage capitalism strips women of agency and traps them in endless cycles of empty consumption and thankless labor.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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In civil-rights circles, that work falls under the broad definition of legal observing.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Layla has long been one of the most familiar faces in SEC circles, known for her presence on the sidelines and devotion to her family.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 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 11 Jan. 2026.
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