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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Earlier this month, Hudson, Sterling and Ahmed attended a Parliamentary debate with MP Jess Asato, the Birth Companions Institute and Project Accountability to discuss children’s social care, maternal imprisonment, the family courts, housing provision and intergenerational cycles of trauma.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
26 Jan. 2026 -
Make no major decisions or moves during this period unless individual cycles and powerful Universal days overlay perfectly.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Fast-food chains like Shake Shack and Chipotle are among those that have rolled out high-protein, lower-carb menus, as Fox News Digital previously reported.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Load your car with winter travel gear, including tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, and road flares.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Beijing is well aware of how US pressure could make governments become more wary of working with Chinese firms or re-evaluate existing ties, analysts in its policy circles say – something that’s already happened in Panama.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
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Cannon-Grant was well-known in activist circles in Boston, earning numerous awards, including Boston Globe Magazine’s Bostonian of the Year award and a Boston Celtics Heroes Among Us award, both in 2020 amid nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
30 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 1 Feb. 2026.
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