as in anxiety
a feeling that one does not know the whole truth or that someone else is not being truthful
Each half of the unhappy couple was constantly wracked with paranoia that the other was cheating.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of paranoia
While the latter project captures a moment of geopolitical paranoia, the new film finds the planet inching toward the brink of destruction without any outside help.
—
Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Anchored by a mesmerizing lead performance from Cemre Paksoy, the film blends scam-call paranoia, erotic fixation, and existential dread into a vision that’s difficult to shake even in a trailer that’s barely two minutes long.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 June 2026
The criteria include frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, having unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsive behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, emotional instability, paranoia or dissociation under stress, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harm.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026
It is described as tackling ideas of activism, paranoia, and nihilism in the form of a philosophical thriller.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Anchored by a mesmerizing lead performance from Cemre Paksoy, the film blends scam-call paranoia, erotic fixation, and existential dread into a vision that’s difficult to shake even in a trailer that’s barely two minutes long.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 June 2026
The criteria include frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, having unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsive behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, emotional instability, paranoia or dissociation under stress, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harm.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026
It is described as tackling ideas of activism, paranoia, and nihilism in the form of a philosophical thriller.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paranoia
Noun
-
As burnout, anxiety and digital overload continue to climb, many are discovering that recovery requires doing less—not more.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
-
In a neighborhood sometimes marked by gangs and violence, and in a time of heightened anxiety over immigration enforcement, the Fiesta Back of the Yards acts as a beacon of light, offering food, social services, music and fun in a safe environment.—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Disney is betting that this universal concern will drive audiences to the film.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
From Lowell to Los Angeles, there are coast to coast concerns about what these data centers can do to the environment.—
David Wade,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, who have been blamed for similar attacks in the past.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 June 2026
-
Investigators suspect the person was injured in the Old Sacramento shooting, and police said the person had an outstanding felony warrant and was also arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of ammunition.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Another daughter's response was simple disbelief.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
-
The maritime sector is treating the news with something closer to wary disbelief than celebration.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paranoia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paranoia. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
