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

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 authentic What sets us apart is our blend of authentic Mexican heritage with contemporary luxury. Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025 Key lime pie purists like my mom won’t hear of recipes with cream cheese or sour cream—an authentic Florida key lime pie should be silky and custard-like, not dense or cheesecake-y, and doesn’t require baking. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 31 May 2025 With a distinctly authentic touch, Phinda also facilitates community visits and excursions with the residents of nearby Zulu villages to help guests gain firsthand knowledge of the various projects that &Beyond runs. AFAR Media, 30 May 2025 Their authentic content can amplify your message more effectively than traditional ads. Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for authentic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authentic
Adjective
  • That genuine moment became a symbol of love, sacrifice and something deeper — breaking generational cycles.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • Listen actively to the client's concerns, demonstrating genuine empathy for their position.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.
    Bryan Karrick, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • The ultra-wide camera retains steadiness but produces video with more accurate colors.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Like so many good honest people with common sense who work hard and pay taxes, the Democrat party has abandoned them.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • Because spontaneous conversations are harder in a hybrid environment, actively create spaces for honest discussions.
    Ayaskant Sarangi, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mosquitoes are a true scourge, responsible for up to one million human deaths per year.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Hoang said the online allegations — none of which were true — led to threats of violence against the university, and there was talk that some parents withdrew their children because of them.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, the real star of the show is the puffer complex.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 3 June 2025
  • That’s the real opportunity for the industry today.
    Shahar Man, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • To boost your chances of reaching a real person’s desk, use the exact job title and key phrases from the job description in your application, and be sure to quantify every achievement with actual data.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The new owner’s exact plans for the site are still being hashed out, but the group has created a map with a main street that travels the length of the property and is surrounded by 13 different blocks, most about an acre in size.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Key ‘Ohana plays original and traditional Hawaiian music.
    Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • During the pandemic-era streaming boom, Netflix, along with other global streamers, invested heavily in original African content in a bid to boost subscriber numbers and touted the continent, with its low streaming penetration rates and large, young population, as a future growth market.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authentic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authentic. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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