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 But some are hardier than others, particularly when they’re built for bona fide outdoor adventure. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025 Having shared time at the position the past two seasons, La Habra junior quarterback DJ Mitchell is the bona fide No. 1 guy this season. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 31 July 2025 This feels like a bona fide competition for the backup spot behind Justin Herbert. Daniel Popper, New York Times, 31 July 2025 Her influence reached far beyond politics, solidifying her status as a bona fide style icon, with her timeless looks emulated by celebrities such as Kris Jenner over the years. Alex Apatoff, People.com, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • Candy didn’t wear that particular internal organ on his sleeve so much as model whole outfits made out of it, and the sheer abundance of his authentic niceness is I Like Me‘s prime running motif.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But as long as buyers like Mao Mao are around with money to spend on cute – if not authentic – Labubu, the market for fakes could be around for some time yet.
    Haicen Yang, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Redshirt junior Colton Boomer and true freshman Canaan Moore ach missed a field goal — Boomer from 46 yards and Moore from 24.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Red maple Red maple stays true to its name.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But all friends need to be honest with each other, to tell each other home truths when it’s needed, to confront those awkward moments without fear of the reaction.
    Steve Sedgwick, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But when those larger firms start to adopt similar habits—open forums, early interventions, honest check-ins—things change fast.
    Stephan Lendi, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani offered a different interpretation of the ongoing dilemma, saying that jury nullification is a real possibility, especially when politics is involved.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • First, the Chavist regime of Nicolás Maduro is not operating like a real state or even a classic dictatorship.
    Kristina Foltz, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv intends to expand such attacks, which Ukrainian officials and commanders have framed as a means to undermine Moscow's war effort and force the Kremlin into genuine negotiations.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • What often emerges from these operations is a community that appreciates accountability where genuine growth can take place.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The sandwiches are named with references to art, such as the Van Gogh made with roast beef, fresh dill, Havarti cheese, sprouts and deli mustard on pumpernickel bread; or the hot Picasso made with savory meatballs, provolone cheese and Mama Cosenza’s original Italian sauce on an 8-inch baguette.
    Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Edd Kimber, the original winner of The Great British Baking Show in 2010, has carved out a career in the food world after his victory.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Then there’s what’s inside the actual soup.
    Shindy Chen, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • This model ensures that the people most affected by these issues have actual input rather than just serving as inspirational case studies.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • An exam by an independent certified jeweler confirmed the watches were counterfeit.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Yes, any certified National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence shop.
    Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bona fide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bona%20fide. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bona fide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!