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.

He later blamed the incident on "paranoia" induced by the medication he was taking.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

On the most fundamental level, the demand for privacy is not about paranoia or fear.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Is it a case of paranoia thanks to new motherhood?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 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 see the paranoia rising in Mother’s eyes.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Vocabulary lists containing paranoia

"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower

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

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