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 Whether attending solo or with friends, Menzies said people are seeking genuine community. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 12 July 2025 The new technology, called Hazard Services, will provide geographically precise alerts that could dramatically reduce unnecessary evacuations while ensuring those in genuine danger receive timely warnings. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 Closer to home, his prioritization of peace in the Congo-Rwanda dispute is seen as genuine. —Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025 What matters is whether genuine compatibility exists beneath the obsession. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 July 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
  • Step into the jungle at Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza's ARCA for an award-winning dining and craft cocktail experience that feels innovative yet deeply authentic to the richness of one of Mexico's most celebrated regional cuisines.
    — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Audit regularly to keep your clone authentic and bold.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of authentic
Adjective
  • But the economy won’t spiral downward too far, because so much of America’s spending and production is unaffected by tariffs.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Many experts believe that most of the auto sales this year have been of inventory that was imported before the duties, meaning their prices would be unaffected.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • This straightforward mental technique might give future retirees a measurable edge with real financial impact.
    — Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Explore the challenges of bringing Stitch into the real world, how the familiar images of the original were recreated, and join returning cast members on a set that embodies ‘ohana.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
Definition of real
Adjective
  • Be honest about systems that are no longer serving their purpose.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The production noted how the work has continued to resonate with readers over the past decade, for its honest depiction of trauma recovery and the power of self-empowerment and love.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • This rings especially true for me, a vegetarian for nearly two decades.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 July 2025
  • This was certainly true of the Mets last summer when Taylor played his way into the lineup more consistently than Harrison Bader.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • The actual spinal bones can weaken or arewedge shaped, allowing the hump to happen.
    — Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • The air feels less humid, with dew point temperatures often in the 40s, and there’s little actual rainfall.
    — Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of actual
Adjective
  • Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.
    — Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Accessories were kept simple with large black sunglasses, a black and gold chain shoulder bag, and gold bangles—save for an extra large, wide-brimmed black sun hat.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 23 July 2025
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • The new world order is truth to truth, answer to query, whereby factual snippets are revered and rewarded.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Writers who draw on personal stories are often dogged by nonfiction’s prevailing imperative of factual precision.
    — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
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 30 Jul. 2025.

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