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
  • Later perimenopause can stretch cycles as much as two months apart, with hot flashes reported by about 80% of women, plus depression, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and vulvar burning or itching.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
  • Later perimenopause can stretch cycles up to two months apart, with hot flashes affecting roughly 80% of women and new symptoms emerging, including depression, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and vulvar irritation.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
Definition of cycles
Noun
  • Private equity firms control most major chains, maintaining local branding for customer trust.
    — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 23 July 2026
  • Coffee chains are also capitalizing on this trend, with chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ offering protein milks for customers who want to get more out of their morning coffee.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026
Definition of chains
Noun
  • The Best Ways to Enjoy Potatoes Despite their benefits, these starchy vegetables have been denigrated in some nutrition circles because of associations with high-fat diets.
    — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026
  • However, since the left side took the brunt of the impact, specifically the steering system, Brett had to drive in clockwise circles the entire way back.
    — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 26 July 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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