Synonyms of genuine

genuine

adjective

ˈjen-yə-wən 

1

as in authentic

being exactly as appears or as claimed

had a genuine van Gogh hanging in their living room

Synonyms & Similar Words

• authentic
• real
• honest
• true
• original
• unmistakable
• certified
• actual
• certifiable
• for real
• bona fide
• pure
• historical
• sure-enough
• legitimate
• identifiable
• right
• pukka
• very
• dinkum
• pucka
• echt
• legal
• lawful
• verifiable
• recognizable
• accurate
• unquestionable
• undeniable
• undoubted
• validated
• proven
• indisputable
• incontrovertible
• indubitable
• irrefutable
• incontestable
• substantiated
• verified
• veritable
• correct
• unadulterated
• proper
• unalloyed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fake
• false
• counterfeit
• phony
• spurious
• bogus
• unreal
• pseudo
• phoney
• imitation
• mock
• sham
• synthetic
• artificial
• unauthentic
• supposititious
• simulated
• unnatural
• factitious
• suppositious
• manufactured
• fabricated
• misleading
• deceptive
• concocted
• man-made
• delusive
• delusory

2

as in unaffected

free from any intent to deceive or impress others

genuine compliments about her boss's flair for fashion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unaffected
• honest
• true
• real
• simple
• innocent
• sincere
• naive
• spontaneous
• natural
• guileless
• inexperienced
• naïve
• straightforward
• ingenuous
• unpretentious
• artless
• unpretending
• on the level
• candid
• childlike
• unsophisticated
• direct
• trustful
• unworldly
• impressionable
• open
• trusting
• frank
• unforced
• wide-eyed
• malleable
• unstudied
• plain
• openhearted
• simpleminded
• free
• gee-whiz
• plainspoken
• persuadable
• unguarded
• dewy-eyed
• straight
• susceptible
• gullible
• persuasible
• exploitable
• single-minded
• free-spoken
• unwary
• gullable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• false
• fake
• critical
• artificial
• phony
• assuming
• dishonest
• affected
• insincere
• phoney
• suspicious
• artful
• skeptical
• cynical
• pretentious
• wary
• sophisticated
• worldly
• cosmopolitan
• mistrustful
• polished
• civilized
• cultured
• cultivated
• refined
• subtle
• deceptive
• guileful
• dissembling
• hypocritical
• dissimulating
• smooth
• manipulative
• sharp
• deceitful
• shrewd
• crooked
• cunning
• devious
• worldly-wise
• sly
• slick
• crafty
• wily
• tricky
• slippery
• designing
• shifty
• underhanded
• flattering
• foxy
• feigned
• unctuous
• calculating
• scheming
• arch
• strained
• double-dealing
• forced
• two-faced
• canny
• knavish
• sycophantic
• mealymouthed

3

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

• real
• actual
• factual
• true
• very
• effective
• concrete
• existent
• literal
• final
• sure-enough
• valid
• proven
• authentic
• absolute
• substantial
• demonstrated
• unmistakable
• validated
• realistic
• convincing
• unquestionable
• de facto
• undeniable
• tangible
• confirmed
• substantiated
• positive
• indisputable
• certain
• verifiable
• believable
• established
• objective
• incontrovertible
• irrefutable
• incontestable
• inescapable
• real-life
• real-world
• authenticated
• bona fide
• authoritative
• indubitable
• attested
• verified
• certified
• palpable
• hard
• certifiable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• potential
• possible
• theoretical
• ideal
• hypothetical
• theoretic
• nonexistent
• alleged
• platonic
• conjectural
• assumed
• supposed
• reputed
• fictitious
• fictional
• legendary
• illusory
• envisioned
• suppositional
• imagined
• fanciful
• romantic
• inexistent
• fabled
• fake
• conceived
• imaginary
• pictured
• chimerical
• envisaged
• chimeric
• visualized
• symbolic
• invented
• make-believe
• unreal
• pretend
• abstract
• fabricated
• virtual
• made-up

Try This Instead

For

Try This

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

Recent Examples of genuine

But occasionally, a genuine talk-show anecdote would sneak through. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025

Their commitment to building a show that prioritizes genuine connection while staying true to the fun, high-energy vibe of the original concept is evident in this live iteration. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 27 Mar. 2025

Ultimately, being genuine is more memorable than attempting to appear polite. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

Technical proficiency will always be necessary, but soft skills like empathy, communication, genuine human interaction, adaptability, and critical thinking will become essential differentiators. —Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025