PARANOID Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

paranoid

adjective

variants also paranoidal

Definition of paranoid

as in worried

having extreme or unreasonable fear or suspicion He was paranoid about break-ins and insisted on checking the locks himself every night.

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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 paranoid Job candidates are using AI to fake their way through interviews, and recruiters are paranoid. — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 20 July 2026 On his glitzy and paranoid new record, the rapper wrestles with survivor’s guilt while making a case for East Coast boom-bap’s perpetual adaptability. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026 Trump’s speech tonight rested on a few solid facts submerged in wild, and even somewhat paranoid, extrapolations. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 Panic Carefully, described as a paranoid thriller reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs, stars Elizabeth Olsen, Julia Roberts, Eddie Redmayne, Brian Tyree Henry, Ben Chaplin, Aidan Gillen, Joe Alwyn and Naledi Murray. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paranoid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paranoid

Adjective

But Russian ballistic missiles appear to be the threat that has Ukrainian’s leadership most worried.

— Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
As students head back to school across Georgia, some parents are worried about more than academics.

— Brian Unger, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of worried

Adjective

Partners and distributors are being more cautious because Anta prefers a direct-to-consumer model, Hoeld said.

— Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
While inflation remains volatile across countries, influencing cautious planning, salary increases are relatively high compared to pre-pandemic norms.

— John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

South Korea’s finance minister has apologized for launching the riskier products without careful consideration.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Regulators have been careful to note that the action targets concentrated and synthetic products, not natural leaf containing trace amounts.

— Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Because people are nervous that Tesla’s robotaxi is going to completely take over the autonomous-vehicle market and mobility overall.

— Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
For anyone nervous about bringing up price, Bascombe says preparation is the best confidence booster.

— Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of nervous

Browse Nearby Words

paranoiac

paranoid

paranormal

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Cite this Entry

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“Paranoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paranoid. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of paranoid

adjective

Example Sentences

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