GENUINE Synonyms: 244 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

genuine

adjective

ˈjen-yə-wən

Definition of genuine

as in authentic

being exactly as appears or as claimed had a genuine van Gogh hanging in their living room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unaffected

free from any intent to deceive or impress others genuine compliments about her boss's flair for fashion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in real

existing in fact and not merely as a possibility there's genuine value in learning how to do household repairs on one's own

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Citing 2026 laureate Navi Pillay—known for charging Israel with genocide and dismissing free speech—Schatz warns the award now rewards ideological insider posturing rather than genuine efforts to achieve international peace. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The founders said predictive software can’t replace genuine personal connection and authentic taste. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 With cross-platform lock support via Aliro, dual-camera coverage for package tracking, and practical Siri AI video summaries, the new Apple Home Collection shows genuine promise. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026 The Charter Review Commission does serious work and its recommendations deserve real weight, a full public hearing, and a genuine presumption in their favor. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for genuine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for genuine

Adjective

Oktoberfest has been celebrated in authentic style at the American German Club of the Palm Beaches (5111 Lantana Road, Lake Worth) for 52 years!

— Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
The collection sees the return of favorites like the classic and authentic constructions found in Old Friends.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of authentic

Adjective

Researchers have long wondered why some people develop these reactions while others seem to skate by unaffected.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
Today, Putin follows essentially the same model, seeking to erode allies’ confidence in NATO’s Article 5 by relying on tactics that fall below the threshold of a conventional warfare and leave unaffected members hesitant to respond.

— Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of unaffected

Adjective

While these tracks are endearing enough, Way Dynamic’s real magic sits at the juncture of folk and forlornness, when Young’s guitar is allowed to ramble and his regrets are sharp enough to bruise.

— Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
These reactive oxygen species, or ROS, can do real damage to mitochondria, cells and organs.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

An invite-only Rocket Variant replaces standard features with a single-seat configuration and perimeter thrusters for true flight, rendering it non-road-legal.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
The counter-argument that these groups already get the same knowledge from Iran, which gets it from China, Russia, and North Korea, is largely true.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of true

Adjective

Jones turned in a yeoman's effort, going 22-35 for 155 passing yards and two touchdowns while also keeping the Longhorn defense honest with his legs.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
In McDonnell, his supporters say, the mayor has an honest and principled leader who has managed to steady a department beset by low morale, dwindling staffing levels and aging facilities.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of honest

Adjective

Watching games with base runners, tough at-bats and actual strategy by managers is much more enjoyable than strikeouts and home runs with no one on base.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Desperate for actual contact with Holmes, Fielder has arranged to meet her briefly at the prison before Evans shows up.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of actual

Adjective

Despite those circumstances, Yusuf continued dispensing oxycodone to Llerena, according to the factual proffer.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
In factual, Frow has welcomed big names to the network like Monty Python star Michael Palin, who has journeyed to North Korea and the Philippines for documentary series.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of factual

Browse Nearby Words

genuflecting

genuine

genuinely

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“Genuine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genuine. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of genuine

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