GENUINE Synonyms: 244 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

genuine

adjective

ˈjen-yə-wən

Definition of genuine

as in authentic

being exactly as appears or as claimed had a genuine van Gogh hanging in their living room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Instead of focusing only on wealth, nonprofits should identify individuals or organizations whose values, interests and past giving reflect a genuine connection to the mission. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Live sports remain one of the few areas of American life with genuine mass appeal that transcends politics, race and class. — Alex Volonte, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 Cancer Nostalgia for former flames or fixating on someone else’s expectations can keep you from genuine romantic fulfillment. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026 Between ultrafast charging, game-changing AI camera tricks, and pocket-sized foldable screens that open into mini tablets, these deals will make upgrading feel like a genuine leap forward. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for genuine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for genuine

Adjective

Wit inflects the voice without subsuming it, which in turn gives the anecdote a touch of authentic eavesdrop.

— Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Designs draw from the look and feel of authentic ’90s band merchandise.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of authentic

Adjective

Yet with the relentless Ukrainian drone strikes – including the biggest wave ever launched against the Moscow region as voting took place this weekend – the Kremlin has been at pains to reassure Russians that life goes on largely unaffected.

— Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Areas once largely unaffected are increasingly reporting infections, reflecting a gradual expansion of the virus across the country.

— Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of unaffected

Adjective

Non-traditional cuts of steaks are the order of the day at Alvear Grill, while L'Orangerie y el Jardin d'Hiver serves a breakfast buffet that's a real treat, and afternoon tea with white-gloved waiters.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Those changes represented real progress, Davis said, but the industry largely failed to question the commercial system into which those materials were being introduced.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

The court has already said that second half is Congress’ job, and the usual objection — that nobody could tell the difference — is about to stop being true.

— John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
But back then, Carla was worth significantly more than Morgan; now, the inverse is true.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of true

Adjective

Ask each business owner to absorb the run-rate at renewal, and the honest answer arrives faster than any dashboard.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Each episode, the brutally honest Ramsay comes in to help the struggling restaurant fix its problems or its negative image, and in turn the restaurants get publicity from being on a national television show.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

The longer the song goes on, the more the relentless pulse of the drums starts to seem indifferent and mechanical, an actual machine with no awareness of human life, while the drones grow longer and feel more and more like deep sighs.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
The company disputes that 27 odor complaints since 2024 and 67 videos of work being done outside permitted hours referenced in a city staff report represent actual violations of the city’s noise, odor and operating hour rules.

— Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of actual

Adjective

That single choice unleashes a harrowing chain of strange and terrifying events in the dead of night, turning a simple gesture of kindness into a real-life nightmare.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Waffles and pimento Another enduring element of Chick-fil-A is its famously simple menu.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

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genuine

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

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Synonyms of genuine

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