Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bona fide contrast with its synonyms?

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

a bona fide offer for the stock

When is authentic a more appropriate choice than bona fide?

The meanings of authentic and bona fide largely overlap; however, 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 could genuine be used to replace bona fide?

The synonyms genuine and bona fide are sometimes interchangeable, 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 bona fide Both Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown are bona fide Cy Young Award candidates. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 18 June 2025 The former Rule 5 pick has established himself as a bona fide front-of-the-rotation arm and is arguably the top candidate to represent the White Sox at this summer’s All-Star Game. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025 And the Sox seemingly found a bona fide closer in Grant Taylor, the rookie with a 102 mph fastball whom the Sox converted from being a starter at the beginning of the season in Double-A Birmingham. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 Ride, by contrast, was a NASA astronaut and bona fide celebrity after her historic flight—a culture that was barely ready to welcome women astronauts, never mind one with a female partner. ArsTechnica, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • Step into the jungle at Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza's ARCA for an award-winning dining and craft cocktail experience that feels innovative yet deeply authentic to the richness of one of Mexico's most celebrated regional cuisines.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Audit regularly to keep your clone authentic and bold.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Among the property's true highlights is its exceptional dining scene— beloved by both discerning locals and hotel guests.
    Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The same's true for someone who is retired and taking taxable withdrawals from traditional 401(k) plans.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be honest about systems that are no longer serving their purpose.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Renegade Paws Rescue's honest assessment of Igor's personality garnered the attention of thousands of animal lovers, who shared the post over 35,000 times.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • When marriages seemed to fail, there was no real option to divorce.
    Ann Foster, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2025
  • The only thing more impressive is the cast's ability to maintain real, long-term relationships despite spending nearly two decades playing some of the most awful characters on TV.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Plaintiff Phone Discovery: Critical Strategic Elements Successful phone discovery requires understanding several strategic elements that can significantly improve outcomes: The Education Component: Many resistance issues stem from genuine misunderstanding about what cell phone forensics involves.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Whether a genuine belief or a strategic alliance, Drake’s claim places him firmly in the heart of a cultural tug-of-war.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The current lineup of Jay & The Americans has one original member, 82-year-old harmony vocalist Sandy Deane Yaguda.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Similar to the original series, Shippuden’s staggering block of 500 episodes is best enjoyed interspersed with the feature films.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • All in all, the game is loaded across the board with minor upgrades that add up to a lot, along with a few actual big changes.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • The actual production of the show is also driving an economic boom.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Black women make up just 2% of certified agents, but their impact on the industry is undeniable.
    Essence, Essence, 7 July 2025
  • And as always, be sure to go to a certified and licensed professional who has experience injecting skin boosters.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bona fide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bona%20fide. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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