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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 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
  • This is world-building at a scale previously unthinkable, turning thousands of data points into an authentic, explorable universe for visitors of the sunshine state. 5.
    Kristen M. O’Hara, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Readers who frequented Florence over the last few months celebrated and voted for the hotels that offer modern interiors without sacrificing their authentic Florentine heritage.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Lacan comes in with a fresh slate, unaffected by the team’s struggles through the early part of the season.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • The bottom 20% of earners are largely unaffected by either policy, as they already aren’t taxed on Social Security payments and largely have their tax liability wiped out through other deductions before the senior tax deduction would apply.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The only thing more impressive is the cast's ability to maintain real, long-term relationships despite spending nearly two decades playing some of the most awful characters on TV.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 9 July 2025
  • When marriages seemed to fail, there was no real option to divorce.
    Ann Foster, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 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
  • Just being true to ourselves and bringing that into the music.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 1 July 2025
  • Staying true to her signature fusion of genres, Bonner also partnered with streetwear brand Y-3.
    Alice Pfeiffer, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • If so, what happens to the role of fundamentals, the actual performance and value of companies, in determining prices?
    Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 10 July 2025
  • As part of this collaboration, select Sephora locations will be offering free scoops of the actual rainbow sherbet on National Ice Cream Day, which is July 20.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
  • These patterns are muted, simple, and still full of personality, like this pillow cover in indigo which looks exactly suited to a couch in a captain’s quarters, yacht-appropriate, or like a great porch nap pillow along a white rattan sofa.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the Court of Appeals ruling said a hearing to present evidence is not always required before issuing a preliminary injunction and if there are no factual disputes.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
  • With 74 percent of respondents expressing uncertainty about at least one claim's veracity, the findings highlight the challenge facing voters where shared factual understanding appears increasingly fragmented.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genuine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genuine. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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