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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 As paranoia builds, the couple must determine if the group’s unconventional spiritual practices offer genuine healing or mask a terrifying truth that threatens to consume them both. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025 The two singers, who had formed a genuine bond, delivered a heartfelt performance that showcased their unique strengths, making for one of the most riveting battles of the season. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2025 After Knicks practice in San Francisco on Friday, Josh Hart stood up for his teammate, saying Draymond should have owned up to his mistake with a more genuine apology. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2025 But their filing this week suggests that response wasn't genuine. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genuine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genuine
Adjective
  • There’s even a hidden sleeve of real gold Krugerrands in the center console and an authentic signature from Sean Connery on the glove box.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Taylor does a lot of authentic casting in his shows and has a tendency to cast people in his world across his shows.
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Students whose tests began no later than 8:36 a.m. with standard timing (2 hours and 24 minutes) would have completed their exams before the 11:00 a.m. cutoff and thus were unaffected.
    Scott White, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that critical safety positions were unaffected.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Tech N9ne, whose real name is Aaron Yates, is a Kansas City native and co-founder of the independent record label Strange Music and the the sole artist to contribute a track with lyrics for the KC Sonic ID release.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Still and thankfully, the aforesaid incident doesn’t stop Lauren from attending a wedding with Sean in Palm Springs, which is when things take a real turn towards Lauren’s self-actualization.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Olivia Culpo is getting honest about what happened during the first trimester of her pregnancy.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Encourage candidates to ask questions and provide honest answers.
    Rebecca Skilbeck, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The 50 Best Beach Towns In The South 2025 How Gulf Shores Became Our Home Which was true.
    Fannie Flagg, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
  • So Far Yet, despite being the ideal role-playing game — one that should (theoretically) be easy enough to replicate — there’s never been a true sequel, spiritual successor, or flat-out copy that can live up to the standard.
    Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Or put differently, having your identity shaped by a history, culture, and language that is not American makes the question of identity an actual question.
    Pia Lauritzen, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Use virtual cards for online payments: Instead of using your actual bank card, generate virtual cards through your bank or a service like Privacy.com.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • All of this is a vaguely long-winded way of making a simple point — the outlook for Wolves’ defence has changed dramatically over the course of this season.
    Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • No code is needed to get started, as a simple click below will activate this offer.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Although the administration insists this will not be the case, there is no factual reason to believe that narrative as these cut moves are not about efficiency, safety or functionality.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • According to a factual proffer reflecting the prosecution’s case, the two unnamed U.S. soldiers were hanging out at the Colombian Pub, a sports bar in the upscale Zona T area, at about 11 p.m. on March 5, 2020.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genuine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genuine. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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