genuine

adjective

ˈjen-yə-wən How to pronounce genuine (audio)
Definition of genuinenext
1
as in authentic
being exactly as appears or as claimed had a genuine van Gogh hanging in their living room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unaffected
free from any intent to deceive or impress others genuine compliments about her boss's flair for fashion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in real
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility there's genuine value in learning how to do household repairs on one's own

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
  1. authentic
  2. unaffected
  3. real
  4. honest
  5. true
  6. actual
  7. simple
  8. factual
Adjective
  • The integrity of our legal system depends on accurate information and authentic legal authority.
    — Lars Daniel, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The tone and grit is authentic to the original show, and the writing never feels too dissimilar.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of authentic
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
Definition of unaffected
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
  • For one night, Hollywood’s background actors are the real stars.
    — Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of real
Adjective
  • But to be honest the significant immune support is more than enough to keep me taking it.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • This is true of most great directors, except most lack the expertise of being a top-level editor who can deliver the best version of it.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 4 Mar. 2025
  • But while Connecticut is largely forested, only about one-tenth of 1% of all forest land in the state is considered true old-growth forest.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of true
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
  • Litherland believes the pharaoh's actual mummy is buried in a second tomb.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of actual
Adjective
  • This fund is the simplest way to play the inevitable rise in lithium prices.
    — Brett Owens, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Prioritizing fitness amid a busy travel schedule, the former Radio City Rockette and The Talk host says her outlook is simple.
    — Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Currently, product content often mixes factual information with emotional appeals and brand storytelling.
    — Kiri Masters, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • This initial report will contain factual information gathered during the investigation's first phase but will not specify cause.
    — Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of factual

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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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