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a genuine smile
a sincere smile
an authentic smile
a natural smile
a heartfelt smile
a kindhearted smile
a genuine effort
an earnest effort
a wholesome effort
an honest effort
a real effort
a legitimate effort
a genuine interest
a legitimate interest
a serious interest
a deep interest
a true interest
a sincere interest

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective genuine contrast with its synonyms?

The words authentic and bona fide are common synonyms of genuine. While all three words mean "being actually and exactly what is claimed," genuine implies actual character not counterfeited, imitated, or adulterated; it also connotes definite origin from a source.

genuine piety
genuine maple syrup
a genuine Mark Twain autograph

In what contexts can authentic take the place of genuine?

While in some cases nearly identical to genuine, authentic implies being fully trustworthy as according with fact; it can also stress painstaking or faithful imitation of an original.

an authentic account of the perilous journey
an authentic reproduction
authentic Vietnamese cuisine

Where would bona fide be a reasonable alternative to genuine?

The words bona fide and genuine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bona fide implies good faith and sincerity of intention.

a bona fide offer for the stock

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of genuine The Color Purple should be the lasting career touchstone for both Goldberg and Winfrey, its genuine popularity sustained through perennial TV runs and word of mouth, despite critical and industry controversy. Armond White, National Review, 7 Mar. 2025 Her passion for her dogs and genuine stories are more effective than any contrived marketing strategy. Patrice Poltzer, Contributor, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025 More than anything else, what distinguishes the show is the genuine warmth of the relationships within this murderous crime family. Judy Berman, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025 The film, which tells the true story of an all-Black, all-female battalion in WWII, also saw Kerry Washington take home the Best Actress award in a moment of genuine shock and gratitude. Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genuine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genuine
Adjective
  • The integrity of our legal system depends on accurate information and authentic legal authority.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Tourists are even flocking to the city of Tianjin because of how authentic Tianjin dialect, music, and local influences have been woven into the story.
    David Opie, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, if a breach occurs in your main network, segmentation helps ensure that VoIP services remain unaffected.
    Ruchir Brahmbhatt, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Key Vatican functions, such as preparations for the 2025 Holy Year celebrations, remain unaffected.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2019 film Trial by Fire remained largely faithful to the real events of Willingham’s case and execution.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Consider the real case of an elderly couple, both in their late 80s.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Without fair elections, an honest media environment and a credible opposition, voters can’t correct their country’s course at the ballot box, providing competitive authoritarian regimes little incentive to do anything but enrich themselves.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
  • But to be honest the significant immune support is more than enough to keep me taking it.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This becomes even more true if a recession does result.
    Steve Banker, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • And even if that stuff weren’t true, there are already plenty of budget-friendly retailers who serve the consumer audience that wants that look, like Zara, COS, H&M, and literally countless others.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The actual facial steaming device, which is another pick approved by both Dr. Garshick and Dr. King, is made with sensitive skin types in mind.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Joe McKendrick covers how technology moves markets and careers How do things work out when people are managed by algorithms, versus actual human beings?
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But with a change as simple as adding a bistro table and chairs, these cozy nooks become inviting oases to use regularly.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025
  • This fund is the simplest way to play the inevitable rise in lithium prices.
    Brett Owens, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Although the administration insists this will not be the case, there is no factual reason to believe that narrative as these cut moves are not about efficiency, safety or functionality.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • When users encounter incomplete or misleading information, the model loses credibility—particularly in scenarios requiring factual accuracy, such as healthcare or legal advice.
    Praveen Thopalle, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genuine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genuine. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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