Definition of bona fidenext

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 Ben-Gvir, in addition to being an authoritarian racist, is a bona fide criminal. Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026 During the Great Migration in Tanzania’s famous Serengeti, wildebeest attempt a river crossing in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles, but just a few dozen feet away, a bona fide traffic jam of safari vehicles crowds the riverbanks like paparazzi at a premiere. Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026 His status as a self-aware, hyper-online provocateur may not seem to suggest the makings of a bona fide filmmaker, but just wait. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 May 2026 Are the Eagles bona fide Super Bowl contenders? Zach Berman, New York Times, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • The research also explored what positive representation in media should look like, with respondents noting a desire for authentic, multi-dimensional, and vulnerable characters that lead to positive storylines and portrayals of Black women and girls.
    Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • Built in 1834 but recently renovated, the second-floor apartment maintains all its authentic charm.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The plants and vines have grown, the tufu limestone has mellowed, the staff have bedded in, and the feel that this is a genuine Puglian village (even though it was built entirely from scratch) has been sealed.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • In this period before culture was so profoundly professionalized, populism and pluralism were genuine material questions of public participation, access, and power.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • As the federal government seeks to impose populism from above, pluralism from above is another real possibility.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • The bar, Salon Salon, is a real destination drinking spot, though.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • There are past precedents for how that is not true.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026
  • With its overall Life in Balance philosophy, Miraval Resorts and Spas has led the way in recognizing just how valuable and restorative a true connection with other humans and the natural environment can be.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • And to be honest, my biggest fear is AI.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • According to an Axios-Ipsos poll released in 2025, more than 70% of Americans believe that most politicians aren’t honest about their health.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • It's been 13 years since that sequel, which shed nearly every major player from the original franchise's cast and crew and added fresh blood like Ashley Tisdale and Lindsay Lohan.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
  • There are other interesting twists to the original story that highlight different parts of the themes of crime, punishment, family and responsibility.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • That space was brought to life inside the Plaza’s actual theater, where the walls were repapered in gold, adding to the gold lame Austrian curtain onstage.
    Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
  • More affordable housing near transit with actual income targeting for the families already living here.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Mejia, a 35-year-old certified public accountant associated with the Green Party, won the most votes of any controller candidate in city history in 2022 despite running against a then-sitting council member.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • There are dozens of certified Welcoming America cities, but not all are on the federal government's sanctuary city list.
    Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bona fide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bona%20fide. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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