Synonyms of authentic

authentic

adjective

ə-ˈthen-tik 

1

as in genuine

being exactly as appears or as claimed

found an authentic Native American arrowhead

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in accurate

following an original exactly

an authentic reconstruction of the Parthenon as it is believed to have looked when first built

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accurate
• true
• exact
• careful
• faithful
• precise
• realistic
• strict
• genuine
• right
• real
• authoritative
• meticulous
• veracious
• conscientious
• lifelike
• scrupulous
• bona fide
• punctilious
• veridical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• false
• inaccurate
• corrupt
• loose
• unfaithful
• inauthentic
• careless
• imprecise
• inexact
• corrupted
• erroneous
• wrong
• slack
• incorrect
• off
• untrue
• invalid
• slovenly
• unsound
• slipshod
• untruthful

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective authentic contrast with its synonyms?

The words bona fide and genuine are common synonyms of authentic. While all three words mean "being actually and exactly what is claimed," 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

When can bona fide be used instead of authentic?

The words bona fide and authentic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bona fide implies good faith and sincerity of intention.

a bona fide offer for the stock

Where would genuine be a reasonable alternative to authentic?

The words genuine and authentic can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of authentic

Whether transforming a Laguna Beach church into a striking residence or renovating a seaside retreat in Maine, designer Kim Duensing and her team take their clients’ needs and personal style into consideration to ensure that the finished home is an authentic expression of their lives. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025

Unwind in a jardin Recharging in a city jardin is as authentic a Parisian experience as any, with 500-plus parks and green spaces to let wee ones run wild. —Elissa Garay, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

Schedule regular one-on-ones that aren’t just performance reviews, but authentic check-ins. —Kiran Mann, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

At Alpine Bakery and Pizzeria, indulge in over 100 pastry delights, including cakes, cookies, and more, alongside delicious, authentic Italian pizzas, calzones, and stromboli. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025