1
2
3

Try This Instead

For
Try This
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 Keep your tone genuine and relaxed, and don’t forget to smile. Jessica Chen, CNBC, 3 July 2025 Hoffman's track record of identifying transformative technologies makes this essential reading for executives trying to separate AI hype from genuine opportunity. Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 Over a lifetime in exile, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has become synonymous with Tibet and its quest for genuine autonomy under Beijing’s tightening grip on the Himalayan region. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 July 2025 Since the 1970s, the goal of the movement has shifted from Tibetan independence to achieving genuine autonomy within China. Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for genuine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genuine
Adjective
  • The authentic arcade controls are durable and comfortable for intense sessions.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 26 June 2025
  • The journeys, known as Original Voyages, have numerous and varied shore excursions allowing travelers a chance to explore authentic Norway at a relaxed pace, with flexible itineraries and approachable pricing.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Both WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines said their operations were unaffected by the hacks.
    Sean Lyngaas, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
  • Russian Security Council deputy chairman of Dmitry Medvedev also said Iran's critical nuclear infrastructure appeared to be unaffected or to have sustained only minor damage.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Jordan Campbell: What Filipe Luis has created at Flamengo is a real testament to what having a clear coaching vision can do.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The person behind the schoolboy video, which defended Duterte, claimed to the news agency that the views shared were collected from real students.
    Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Jamie Lee Curtis got honest about her cosmetic procedures in the hopes of dissuading women from making the same mistake.
    Maria Yagoda, People.com, 5 July 2025
  • Maybe the most important feature of actual freedom is the ability to make honest and fair criticism of your country, something which feels more and more taboo.
    Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be open to what needs to be dismantled in order to build something stronger and more aligned with your true path in the future.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Country singer Gavin Adcock proved that to still be true by slamming the March 2024 LP, which is charting ahead of his forthcoming effort, Own Worst Enemy, during a rant at his recent concert.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even without actual mucus, suction cups with a water seal have been found to hang onto things 55 times longer than those without.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 June 2025
  • While ambition has soared, actual outcomes have continued to lag stubbornly behind.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.
    Leila Sloman, Wired News, 29 June 2025
  • Start your day like a pro with simple morning cleaning habits that keep your home feeling fresh, organized, and under control.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • This expansive series was edited by Paul E. Blackwood, a scientist and educator with the US Office of Education, who also wrote government bulletins and surveys on science education research As interest in children’s science books grew, many educators stressed the importance of factual accuracy.
    Jessica George, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2025
  • Limited training data, large language model design and a lack of real-world experience can create responses that meet the best probable response instead of factual answers.
    Gaurav Basra, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Genuine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genuine. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on genuine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!