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

"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

The action films are likewise both packed with paranoia and betrayal.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Waves of rumor and paranoia swept through the countryside, enveloping especially the powerless.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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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