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Showing results for paranoia. Search instead for paranoians.
Definitions

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.

In a sign of his deep paranoia, he told Fox News in 2025 he is so afraid of being carjacked that he doesn’t wear a seatbelt, even though carjacking rates are rapidly falling.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

My working theory is that they tap into audiences with a preexisting suspicion that the world is wicked — they prove paranoia to be well-founded.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Unable to sleep after a traumatic birth in 2024, Lizzy quickly deteriorated into a state of psychosis - a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause hallucinations, severe insomnia and paranoia.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

I suppose my lifelong paranoia was born in those cold, molasses-slow minutes.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou