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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 Even as a newcomer, I was greeted with genuine kindness and recommendations from the staff. Sofia Distefano, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025 Ron even offers a genuine apology to Jamie, who then extends an invitation to church and gets nothing in return. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025 In a world where fake medical implants, counterfeit microchips, and cloned devices can threaten lives, money, and security, proving that a physical object is truly genuine is a major challenge. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025 Hiemstra and Conlon say there isn't enough genuine oversight over whether contractors consistently meet food standards. Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genuine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genuine
Adjective
  • The 19th-century sailing ship with authentic rigging was built in a parking lot outside their Toronto studio, with an ice esplanade to get up to it.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • What is no longer in alignment with your truth will be stripped away so that something authentic can take root.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Kam Patterson is funny here as the one unaffected participant, who curiously studied Gothic Literature!
    Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Tech contributions in this straight-on underslant are appropriately unaffected.
    Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sometimes, though, the homeowners and their stories are truly the real treasure.
    Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The film, which includes the real audio of Hind Rajab before her death, has attracted several high-profile supporters, including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuaron, and Jonathan Glazer.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Her fashion designer husband, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud, was sentenced to five months behind bars, two years of supervised release, 250 hours of community service, and a $250,000 fine.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Be honest and then seek out stretch experiences, reading and other ways to learn to fill those gaps.
    Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In my experience, this is especially true in the lonely hours of the night while struggling with chronic pain.
    Joni Eareckson Tada, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • For most Galatasaray supporters, domestic titles were never the true measure of success; Europe was.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And never mind that there is an actual anti-fascist movement, not only in Europe, but one that’s existed in the United States.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The sled, which is later recovered from the water, allows engineers to evaluate the system’s performance and stress tolerance without risking an actual aircraft.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While House Republicans can pass legislation with a simple majority vote, Senate Republicans cannot advance most matters without meeting a 60-vote threshold.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But in stoppage time, Miami was gifted a third goal when Jordi Alba crossed from the left and keeper Willis, colliding with defender Walker Zimmerman, spilled the ball right to Messi, who had the simplest of tap-ins.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Rather, her photos, documents and collages point to the extreme paucity of surviving evidence and the utter impossibility of a cohesive, factual narrative.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
  • According to Bower’s account, Halligan did not identify any factual inaccuracy in the report.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genuine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genuine. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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