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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 There’s a nicely bitter sliver of irony in Cinta and Vel having a silent not-quite-reunion at a wedding that does not exactly overflow with genuine passion. Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025 To give women a better shot at quality dates and real romance, Young advocates for assertive blocking on apps like Bumble — whether a guy is a genuine creep or just not particularly appealing — in order to narrow the field of would-be suitors to the most promising candidates. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025 Waugh: When Newcastle had just won the final, there were genuine questions about which way the run-in would go. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 Between the lines: Paxton is a genuine Trump ally and is eager to hit Cornyn for being a Washington establishment figure rather than true MAGA. Stef W. Kight, Axios, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genuine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genuine
Adjective
  • While the filling is made of microfiber, the material mimics both the fluffiness and warmth of authentic down.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • But authentic, demonstrable progress: proof of better outcomes, built on real expertise.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Although the London Marathon’s entry rules are currently unaffected, British conservative media and tabloid newspapers are already putting pressure on the event to change its policies.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 25 Apr. 2025
  • Will Brandy be stuck in that alt-reality forever or emerge unscathed and unaffected?
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Washington has repeatedly threatened to abandon its peace efforts unless there is real progress.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The man who dethroned Rhodes, John Cena, took photos with guests during a kickoff party on WrestleMania Sunday just hours before Cena became WWE’s last real champion.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This was an honest error and was not intentional in any way.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025
  • But only if leaders have the appetite for that kind of honest data.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • But against the Cavaliers, against the length of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Ware stands essential, on a Heat roster that lacks a true backup center.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • However, because of the time required to design and produce the actual medal, the ceremony in the U.S. Capitol wasn't on the books until recently.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Golden State shuts down Jalen Green Game 4 was marred by a myriad of skirmishes, which detracted from the actual basketball to some degree, but the Warriors’ pressure on Jalen Green — and how the Rockets responded — will ultimately determine how the rest of this series plays out.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Murder victim's family has been 'counting down the minutes' until South Carolina execution Texas pastor with simple dream killed in his own church.
    James Powel, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Even something as simple as hanging your own art on the walls or sharing a project online will work.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth.
    Liam Quinn, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice.
    Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genuine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genuine. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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