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.
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 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
-
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
-
Are Americans worried about inflation just wrong?—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Be especially cautious in school zones and watch for children and the flashing lights of school buses.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Two years as a mental health patient had taught Virginia to be cautious.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
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
-
While Pyongyang has conducted a series of hypersonic tests in recent years, many foreign experts remain skeptical that the weapons have achieved the necessary speed and maneuverability.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Braeden Johnson is also skeptical as a taxpayer, but is happy as a Kansas resident to see the team move across the state line.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In 2024, Mark looked nervous watching Grace compete in a horse show.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
-
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 8 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share