as in illness
unusual or excessive concern about your health; a tendency to fear or imagine that you have illnesses that you do not actually have
She fueled her hypochondria by reading articles about rare diseases.
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Recent Examples of hypochondria
In fact, contrary to popular opinion, studies show that singletons are not at significantly higher risk of developing adverse personality traits like narcissism or hypochondria.
—
Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026
Jenner joined Owen Thiele on the January 9 edition of his podcast, In Your Dreams, where their conversation ranged from her first modeling jobs and growing up famous, to her hypochondria, anxiety, and beauty regimen.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
Illness Anxiety Disorder Colloquially, a constant concern for health is known as hypochondria.
—Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025
Referrals to mental health professionals who treat hypochondria with cognitive behavioral therapy or medications the Food and Drug Administration has approved for treating hypochondria will create a realistic approach to addressing and validating people living with hypochondria.
—Hal Rosenbluth, STAT, 17 June 2024
She’s got your backs, opening with the moment her own lifelong, free-range hypochondria probably began — when a sweet high school classmate suddenly died of Hodgkin’s disease.
—Joan Frank, BostonGlobe.com, 11 May 2023
Tindaro’s perfect pedigree as an eligible bachelor is undermined by his insufferable attitude, rampant hypochondria, and blunt disdain for women.
—Breanna Bell, Variety, 14 Dec. 2022
Early on, many doctors, predictably, dismissed these cases as the result of anxiety or hypochondria.
—Meghan O'Rourke, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2021
Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026
Jenner joined Owen Thiele on the January 9 edition of his podcast, In Your Dreams, where their conversation ranged from her first modeling jobs and growing up famous, to her hypochondria, anxiety, and beauty regimen.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
Illness Anxiety Disorder Colloquially, a constant concern for health is known as hypochondria.
—Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025
Referrals to mental health professionals who treat hypochondria with cognitive behavioral therapy or medications the Food and Drug Administration has approved for treating hypochondria will create a realistic approach to addressing and validating people living with hypochondria.
—Hal Rosenbluth, STAT, 17 June 2024
She’s got your backs, opening with the moment her own lifelong, free-range hypochondria probably began — when a sweet high school classmate suddenly died of Hodgkin’s disease.
—Joan Frank, BostonGlobe.com, 11 May 2023
Tindaro’s perfect pedigree as an eligible bachelor is undermined by his insufferable attitude, rampant hypochondria, and blunt disdain for women.
—Breanna Bell, Variety, 14 Dec. 2022
Early on, many doctors, predictably, dismissed these cases as the result of anxiety or hypochondria.
—Meghan O'Rourke, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypochondria
Noun
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The elevated levels could increase the risk of illness.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
13 Mar. 2026
-
DeRozan returns to lineup DeRozan returned to the lineup 24 hours after an illness forced him to miss his first game of the season in Tuesday’s win over the Bulls, ending his streak of 126 consecutive games.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The finding has the potential to provide a longer runway to make the lifestyle changes that can help reduce risk, and could be used to better identify subjects who could benefit from participating in clinical trials seeking to prevent or treat neurodegenerative disease.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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Hall of Fame high school football coach Bob Johnson, who built powerhouse programs at El Toro and Mission Viejo and became known for mentoring for his sons and other top quarterbacks, died Wednesday after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease, his son Bret confirmed.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Still, the broader bond rout reflects anxiety about the global economy after crude oil surged toward $120 a barrel, up almost 80% since the Iran war began and disrupted shipments from the Middle East.—
Marcus Wong,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.—
Karen Garcia,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Of roughly 45,000 inmates booked annually, 50% disclose chronic illness and approximately 30% of the remaining half are unaware or don’t reveal a chronic sickness.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Mar. 2026
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Ours is an age which consciously pursues health, and yet only believes in the reality of sickness.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hypochondria.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypochondria. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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