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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 Reed Sigmund delivers a tour de force as Silver, a scene-stealing bundle of charm, rage and deceit who displays a kind side to the boy that you can never be convinced is genuine. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 15 Sep. 2025 Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv intends to expand such attacks, which Ukrainian officials and commanders have framed as a means to undermine Moscow's war effort and force the Kremlin into genuine negotiations. David Brennan, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2025 What truly matters is the chance to get to know him better, revealing her genuine desire to deepen their bond beyond any external divisions. EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025 For the occasion, de Caunes revives one of his popular characters, a diehard redneck rock ’n’ roll fan whose taste for tall tales is matched only by his genuine devotion to music. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genuine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genuine
Adjective
  • Their skin is clearer, more radiant; their hair is fuller; their glow feels authentic.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
  • It’s designed to ensure that your printer uses only authentic HP ink, which costs more than $10,000 a gallon (really).
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While Kalitta seemed unaffected by the incident, Stewart took a while to get out of his dragster.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • For example, many well-hydrated athletes experience cramps, while others competing in hot, humid conditions remain unaffected.
    Michael Hales, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The real clash with liberals is not over how big government should be, but over what the state should be empowered to do.
    Allan J. Lichtman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • That was an interesting time because so many people were trying to capitalize and not doing stuff that was real.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Simmons is a shell of his former self as a playmaker and was never able to develop a jump shot to at least keep defenses honest.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • And being honest about that helped build long-term trust.
    Greg Peters, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Slater’s first blast of the evening was a true wall-scraper in the top of the third, barely clearing the center-field fence to give the Giants an early 1-0 lead.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
  • And remember, the point spread is designed to divide the wagers evenly, not be a true indicator of value.
    Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The film, which largely unfolds on Christmas Eve, has a wonderful sense of the dying light of a late December day, the transition from a shade of damp gray to the inky black of night, and, even better, an actual sense of a particular American place.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the actual cost of providing housing, meals and transportation for prisoners at Miami Correctional is about $80 per person.
    Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Mahle views its range-extenders as far more than simple independent add-on, looking at them as one component in a holistic driving architecture in which smaller batteries can replace larger ones while still alleviating, rather than intensifying, range anxiety.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2025
  • For a similarly simple, comfortable option that’s a little more sophisticated, try a stylish ivory sweater (yes, white after Labor Day is definitely acceptable in France), particularly in a rollneck fashion that will suit silhouettes of all types.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After the property sale, Graham started fleecing his mother while transferring money from her New York bank and brokerage accounts into his own checking account in Miami, according to a factual statement filed with his plea agreement.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The problem here is that in the real world, factual accuracy is the bedrock of journalism, and objectivity would be a close second.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genuine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genuine. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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