Synonyms for

Paranoid

Verb / ˈperʌˌnɔɪd / Another word for paranoid — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

feeling extremely nervous or worried about things that are not real or not important

Synonyms & similar words

paranoiac distrustful suspicious jittery edgy apprehensive anxious nervous fearful worried panicky hysterical neurotic delusional fidgety uneasy perturbed disturbed agitated fretful tense

Synonyms by register

Formal

suspicious distrustful delusional obsessive

Informal

jumpy wary shady paranoid-sounding

Literary

phantasmal wraithlike

Antonyms

trusting confident secure unworried calm relaxed optimistic

Common collocations

  • paranoid delusions
  • paranoid personality
  • paranoid thoughts
  • paranoid schizophrenia
  • paranoid state
  • paranoid behavior
  • paranoid about

Word family

noun paranoia
adjective paranoid
adverb paranoically

Usage note

While 'paranoid' can describe a general feeling of suspicion, it is also a clinical term referring to a mental disorder. Use with care to avoid trivializing serious conditions.

Example sentences

  1. She became paranoid after watching a scary movie.
  2. He was so paranoid that he thought everyone was out to get him.
  3. The paranoid man kept looking over his shoulder.
  4. The paranoid patient refused to take the medicine.
  5. She was paranoid about germs and always carried hand sanitizer.

Quotes

  • I'm not paranoid, I'm just cautious.
  • Being paranoid doesn't mean they're not after you.
  • Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.

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