PARANOIAS Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

paranoia

noun

Definition of paranoia

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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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 The onset of more organ soloing by Emmett over twin guitars is just the barrage needed to slam home the paranoia and loneliness in a song that alternates self-effacement with self-defensive allegations of gaslighting and abandonment. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 July 2026 As Jason’s obsession with the Box deepens, Daniela’s (Jennifer Connelly) growing paranoia pushes her to the brink, threatening to tear their fragile stability apart. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 9 July 2026 You’d be forgiven for reacting with a bit of paranoia, though. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026 The group arrives at the lake during mosquito season, triggering a buzz of paranoia amongst the local lake residents, fearing that Davey’s friends will expose them to contracting HIV from a mosquito bite. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paranoia

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paranoia

Noun

His instinctive reaction, tearful after losing another final, was to throw in the towel, to announce his career with Argentina was over at the age of 29, to focus on his club career, which by comparison brought him so much joy and so little anxiety.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Because of their history of poor sleep, people with insomnia may suffer from anxiety about getting inadequate sleep, which can then increase sleeplessness at night.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 18, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026

Definition of anxiety

Noun

That’s a great disappointment, but there should be no suspicion of any bias on our part.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 23 July 2026
The law replaces the prior probable-cause standard with reasonable suspicion based on observable signs of impairment and requires employers to document the basis for that suspicion before testing.

— Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of suspicion

Noun

Rodri, the Spanish captain and lynchpin, winner of the Golden Ball as best player in the tournament, placed both hands on his head, in joyous disbelief.

— Sean Gregory, Time, 20 July 2026
From a certain perspective, Odysseus is a guy with a lot of convenient excuses for his inability to return home, many of which require a hefty suspension of disbelief.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026

Definition of disbelief

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“Paranoia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paranoia. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of paranoia

noun

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