variants
also paranoidal
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
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Recent Examples of paranoid
Fear-mongering, which comes off equal parts paranoid and patronizing, is the surest way to make people stop listening.
—
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
Matthiessen, not without reason, portrays the Bureau as paranoid, dishonest, and in league with corporate interests.
—Maggie Doherty, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Historically, political movements die when they become subsumed by paranoid Jew-hatred.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
In this two-part episode, Scott becomes paranoid that the office is cursed and decides to hold a charity run.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoid
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
Matthiessen, not without reason, portrays the Bureau as paranoid, dishonest, and in league with corporate interests.
—Maggie Doherty, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Historically, political movements die when they become subsumed by paranoid Jew-hatred.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
In this two-part episode, Scott becomes paranoid that the office is cursed and decides to hold a charity run.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paranoid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paranoid
Adjective
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In response, the White House is planning to adjust its messaging strategy to focus on affordability to try to win over voters who are worried about the high cost of living with plans to emphasize new tax breaks and show progress on fighting inflation.—
Michelle L. Price,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
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Are Americans worried about inflation just wrong?—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Fearing a spike in anti-Japanese sentiment ahead of the parade, the Japanese embassy in Beijing warned its citizens to stay cautious and avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public – perhaps mindful that in recent years, there has been a spate of violent attacks against Japanese nationals in China.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
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Crypto assets did rise modestly alongside other risk assets following signs of progress in Washington, but the broader tone remains cautious.—
Sidhartha Shukla,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Step by careful step, Holbrook climbed, holding out bologna and cheese until two pairs of cautious eyes peeked back.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The comments in the post were split between those who wanted to show care to the boyfriend and those who were skeptical of the woman's behavior.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
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But there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical.—
Bob Woods,
CNBC,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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In 2024, Mark looked nervous watching Grace compete in a horse show.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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Senior dogs, puppies, or nervous rescues may require specialized care.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paranoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paranoid. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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