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

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 This was the start of my genuine renunciation. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026 Debt forgiveness requires you to demonstrate genuine financial hardship. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 4 May 2026 Remember, genuine silver coins are crafted with precision and won’t have noticeable imperfections. —Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 4 May 2026 Unsheltered homelessness is a genuine public health emergency. —Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for genuine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genuine
  1. authentic
  2. unaffected
  3. real
  4. true
  5. honest
  6. actual
  7. simple
  8. factual
Adjective
  • Pratt's supporters believe his approach will translate to votes because the message is authentic.
    — Tom Wait, CBS News, 2 May 2026
  • In fact, Americans of all backgrounds are seeking out new global flavors and authentic experiences, according to market research company Datassential.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 May 2026
Definition of authentic
Adjective
  • While the median home price in the Baltimore area is around $360,000, the median asset wealth for a Black family in the city unaffected by incarceration is approximately $2,700.
    — Izabela Engel, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Its operations in other states are unaffected.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Every year, Ed Resnick, the owner of Event Carpet, crosses the street from the Met to hand out leftover pieces from the real carpet to fans.
    — Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026
  • The only real opportunity for Cubs fans to experience Wrigley’s last look of elegance occurs if the Cubs play in late October or early November in the World Series.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.
    — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • With the Moon now moving through your 7th House of Partnership, conversations become more direct, honest, and revealing in a useful way.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • The Moon in Scorpio forms a smooth trine to Jupiter in your 7th House of Partnership, opening the door to more honest and supportive connection.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • The system establishes operational standards through its three main functions that develop incentives while tracking performance and ensuring projects meet actual environmental requirements.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • In my world, the dirty plates should be cleared, but the actual washing of the dishes waits until everyone is finished.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
Definition of actual
Adjective
  • July 23 – August 22 Clarity today comes from keeping your message simple and grounded.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Brown said Atlanta was taking away the Knicks’ spray game, which made the answer simpler.
    — C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Yet neither approach had any factual basis, and any success either group had was likely due to the placebo effect—merely giving a patient special attention and the hope of a cure can be healing in itself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Some complaints derive from the film brushing aside many of the late King of Pop’s controversies, while others criticize the factual problems of Michael’s life and career, including missing family members.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of factual

Browse Nearby Words

genuflecting
genuine
genuinely
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Cite this Entry

“Genuine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genuine. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of genuine for Spanish Speakers

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