genuine

adjective

gen·u·ine ˈjen-yə-wən

-(ˌ)win,

nonstandard

-ˌwīn

Synonyms of genuine next

: actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character

genuine vintage wines

: actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author

the signature is genuine

: sincerely and honestly felt or experienced

a deep and genuine love

: actual, true

a genuine improvement

: free from hypocrisy or pretense : sincere

His apology seemed genuine.

genuineness

ˈjen-yə-wə(n)-nəs

noun

How do you pronounce genuine?: Usage Guide

The objection which some commentators make to the pronunciation \ˈjen-yə-ˌwīn\ is perhaps occasioned by the fact that it is more frequent among those with less schooling. However, this variant is heard in the speech of cultured or highly educated speakers sufficiently frequently for it to be recognized as a widespread pronunciation at all social levels. This variant was recorded as early as 1890 and appears to be simply a long-standing spelling pronunciation.

Choose the Right Synonym for genuine

authentic, genuine, bona fide mean being actually and exactly what is claimed.

authentic implies being fully trustworthy as according with fact

an authentic account of the perilous journey

; it can also stress painstaking or faithful imitation of an original.

an authentic reproduction

authentic Vietnamese cuisine

genuine implies actual character not counterfeited, imitated, or adulterated

genuine piety

genuine maple syrup

; it also connotes definite origin from a source.

a genuine Mark Twain autograph

bona fide implies good faith and sincerity of intention.

a bona fide offer for the stock

Example Sentences

But whatever else he is, he is the genuine article. A writer of one terrible book after another, but a writer nonetheless. —

Dale Peck, New Republic, 1 July 2002

Having had two brothers, a sister and a brother-in-law die violently, he acquired a genuine identification with suffering, particularly that of what has come to be called the underclass. —

George F. Will, New York Times Book Review, 24 May 1998

Like a poem, a genuine essay is made of language and character and mood and temperament and pluck and chance. —

Cynthia Ozick, Atlantic, September 1998

There has been a genuine improvement in the economy in recent months. She showed a genuine interest in our work. He has always shown a genuine concern for poor people. a genuine desire to help others She seems to be a very genuine person. See More

Recent Examples on the Web This means being genuine and sincere in your interactions with your team, being willing to understand their perspective and being transparent about your own feelings and experiences. —

Anna Barnhill, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 The chairs on our list come in a variety of fabrics: genuine and faux leather, linen, cotton, chenille, polyester, velvet, and suede. —

Addie Morton, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2023 At first, Dimoldenberg insists her interest is genuine. —

Jessica M. Goldstein, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2023 And when that love is genuine, that sort of toxicity, elevates it away. —

Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2023 As well as a great songwriter and musician, Lewis is a compelling character who has a genuine and deep connection with fans. —

K.j. Yossman, Variety, 9 Mar. 2023 First of all, this Cariuma shoe is made from genuine leather, which probably explains the slightly higher cost. —

Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2023 The genuine leather has a high-end look and feel and is a pleasure for the palms. —

Doug Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 8 Mar. 2023 Some users also suggested that the footage was genuine, but that the date and the time labels were modified. —

Hossein Derakhshan, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'genuine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.