Nature of short-range order in the paramagnetic state of manganites

•The Curie–Weiss law is redefined in the studied temperature range.•This will lead to a homogeneous macroscopic electronic state picture.•It is in contrast with the coexistence of insulating and metallic regions. We study the nature of short-range magnetic interactions observed in the paramagnetic phase of colossal magnetoresistance compounds. Our results reveal that ferromagnetic-like interaction between Mn ions cannot be explained by the conventional double exchange mechanism. The results show evidence that the eg electrons are localized in Mn3+ ions regardless the introduction of holes leading to ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic superexchange-like interactions.