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.

"My view is we should prepare for paranoia before the event," Uday Kotak, a veteran Indian banker, told a gathering of industry leaders this week, adding, "We must prepare for the worst."

From BBC • May 14, 2026

“His decisions at trial,” his lawyers argue, were “based on fear and paranoia rather than rational thinking; he would fixate on small details, while missing the big picture.”

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

"There's paranoia around AI in every industry," said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

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

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

I feel guilty for painting him with my paranoia.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

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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