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.
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Recent Examples of paranoia
Among the potential dangers are asphyxiation, blood clots, psychiatric issues such as hallucinations or paranoia, paralysis, neurological damage, and even death.
—
Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
Founders describe operating from profound paranoia, treating every fifteen minutes as having a price tag, feeling that everything is urgent and critical.
—Andrew Filev, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025
In the face of this onslaught, the alcohol industry’s efforts to make drinking popular again have lurched into paranoia.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
In an age where paranoia and misinformation reign supreme, this tale of science failing to explain the chaos around us seems more timely (and more frightening) than ever before.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
Founders describe operating from profound paranoia, treating every fifteen minutes as having a price tag, feeling that everything is urgent and critical.
—Andrew Filev, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025
In the face of this onslaught, the alcohol industry’s efforts to make drinking popular again have lurched into paranoia.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
In an age where paranoia and misinformation reign supreme, this tale of science failing to explain the chaos around us seems more timely (and more frightening) than ever before.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paranoia
Noun
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Add in the possibility of more extensive – and costly – work such as bridges, crowns, extractions or implants, and the anxiety can grow even stronger.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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The enthusiasm around personal curriculums and independent learning might reflect modern-day anxieties.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The vote to approve Miran’s nomination passed 48-47, along party lines, with Democrats expressing concern about the appointment impacting the central bank’s independence.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Motiva is helping to eliminate this concern.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Laura visits Cherry’s mom, Tracey (Karen Henthorn), in hopes of getting Tracey to confirm her suspicions in a recorded conversation.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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But in reality, deepfakes are getting better and the threat industry has many years of experience in honing lures to trick people, playing on emotions and overcoming natural suspicions and objections.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The typical domestic thriller demands a certain willing suspension of disbelief.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
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Shock, anger, sadness, disbelief were words used by multiple senior sources inside the West Wing, ABC News' Katherine Faulders said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paranoia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paranoia. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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