paranoia

[par-uh-noi-uh] / ˌpær əˈnɔɪ ə /

NOUN

mental illness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

insanity mental disorder

WEAK

crack-up craziness delusions depression derangement disturbed mind emotional disorder emotional instability loss of mind lunacy madness maladjustment mania mental disease mental sickness nervous breakdown nervous disorder neurosis neurotic disorder phobia psychopathy psychosis sick mind troubled mind unbalanced mind unsoundness of mind

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As the obstacles mount against Kornev, his paranoia grows, leading to fleeting moments of surrealism.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

"I had paranoia, delusions. I had my first full-on episode when I was 15."

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

We’ve also reached a point in the season at which previous groups of Traitors turned on each other for reasons similar to those that do in tyrannical cabals: mutual envy, paranoia and greed.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2026

Kane and Thompson said that Minneapolis had been beset by paranoia following the start of the anti-immigration operation.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

I was sitting in Psychology 101 when the professor read the symptoms aloud from the overhead screen: depression, mania, paranoia, euphoria, delusions of grandeur and persecution.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Vocabulary lists containing paranoia

"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury (1950)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!