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
In an appeal, his attorney said he was also diagnosed with a chronic ambulatory psychotic disturbance with schizophrenia, paranoia and mania from previous brain injuries that he self-medicated with alcohol and drugs.
—
David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Don't do anything that may have long-term consequences for the recipient, such as trouble sleeping, an inability to reestablish trust, and lingering paranoia.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realize there is a serial killer hidden amongst them.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 July 2025
In today’s context, leaders must channel that paranoia into urgency—not just to adopt emerging technology, but to embed the capabilities required to deliver on its promise.
—Alex Adamopoulos, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Don't do anything that may have long-term consequences for the recipient, such as trouble sleeping, an inability to reestablish trust, and lingering paranoia.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realize there is a serial killer hidden amongst them.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 July 2025
In today’s context, leaders must channel that paranoia into urgency—not just to adopt emerging technology, but to embed the capabilities required to deliver on its promise.
—Alex Adamopoulos, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paranoia
Noun
-
This can cause unnecessary anxiety and concern for the dog.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
-
This is the current situation: Certainly, a trend of appreciating precious metals is at work, but there is also the theme of ‘strategic and critical metals’ anxiety pushing platinum.—
Clem Chambers,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
In seconds, content appears without shipping or physical storage concerns.—
Vikrant Shaurya,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
Privacy and security concerns with smart thermostats These programs also raise important data privacy concerns.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Dexter stalks his next victim (Marc Menchaca) — a killer who targets ride-share drivers — while the ghost of his father Harry (James Remar) urges him to be careful, and a fidgety Harrison tries to evade police suspicions.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
-
That new regime’s anti-Western stance put it on a path to conflict with the United States and Israel, and created their long-standing suspicion that Iran’s nuclear program was not purely civilian, as Tehran claimed, but also involved clandestine efforts to develop weapons.—
Roya Hakakian,
The Atlantic,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
That play had Rodón raising his arms in disbelief, as well as appreciation.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
-
In the Waldorf’s case, the contractor called SOM in disbelief.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paranoia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paranoia. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share