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 Lara Croft had become a superstar on her own, but playing her in the first Tomb Raider movie made a bona fide movie star out of Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Jan. 2026 And, since exiting RHOBH, she's added bona fide fashion girl to her resume. Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026 On top of all of that, Edwards is a bona fide stopper in the biggest moments, one of the better on-ball perimeter defenders in the league for a team that is fourth in the West. Eric Koreen, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2026 And the Heat doesn’t have a real bona fide set-the-table guy for them. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • Those born in the year of the Horse are fiercely independent, but also devoted and authentic.
    Annabel Gat, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Rather than diluting specific cultural elements, Ota maintains that preserving local intensity while creating accessible entry points through subtitles and editing allows authentic engagement.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The files have created some genuine issues for news organizations, whose ranks are filled with individuals with whom Epstein hoped to forge personal connections.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Both players had fists full of each other’s shirts, but the referee pointed to the spot and deemed Akpoguma not to have made a genuine attempt for the ball.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The singer slowly made his way down the stage, stopping by La Casita, popularized during the singer’s recent world tour, and even witnessed a couple’s real wedding.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • His only real path to election is as the Sandy Koufax of the 21st century.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s true, even though the odds of getting hurt during travel are generally higher when driving.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Exercises like Aron’s 36 questions are designed to reveal the most interesting, truest things about a person, and self‑ disclosure, trust building, and mutual appreciation accelerate closeness.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The most important issue facing the county is ensuring that the felt needs of residents are prioritized, and that the community feels seen, heard and responded to through honest, timely communication.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Preparation before the storm, honest assessment after.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While neighboring vineyards resorted to grafting their vines onto pest-resistant American roots, DRC used various intensive strategies to keep its original European vines intact, at least until the 1940s.
    Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In 2017, McRae went back to her YouTube roots and uploaded a video of herself singing an original ballad.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s no better time for a summer camp slasher to hit theaters than during actual summer.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
  • County leaders have contended their actual costs are $180 per day.
    Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Nursing assistants typically complete certified nurse aide training, while home health and personal care aides often take short certification courses.
    Allie Canal, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Radical transparency means admitting mistakes Armedangels prides itself on using only chlorine-free wool from certified organic farms.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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