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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In between seasons, Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, and the rest of the cast have come to rule Hollywood, starring in blockbuster franchises, A24 and Neon film-festival darlings, and generating buzzy press cycles all on their own.—
The Editors,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2026 -
Additionally, 77 percent of growers rotate crops, disrupting pest cycles, building soil health and diversifying farm income for a more stable system.—
SJ Studio,
Footwear News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Here are a handful of restaurants, some of which are at least regional chains, in the area.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Apr. 2026
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Iran has formed human chains in the past around its nuclear sites at times of heightened tensions with the West.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The symptoms seemed so disparate, like distinct mugshots neatly pinned to an evidence board without any bold red strings or furious circles to show connection.—
Courtney Crowder,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
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Allegations of inappropriate behavior by the congressman have been circulating on social media and in political circles for weeks.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 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 Apr. 2026.
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