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 Miley Cyrus’s Something Beautiful album rollout has been nothing short of a bona fide fashion fest. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 June 2025 Hughes is a bona fide superstar making less than $8 million against the cap for two more seasons. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 15 June 2025 In this alternate reality, the whole of Los Angeles is a bona fide war zone. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025 There is plenty of talent at the position in New England, but none of them are bona fide stars. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • The authentic arcade controls are durable and comfortable for intense sessions.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 26 June 2025
  • The journeys, known as Original Voyages, have numerous and varied shore excursions allowing travelers a chance to explore authentic Norway at a relaxed pace, with flexible itineraries and approachable pricing.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Natural Rugs Not all natural fibers belong in nature, and that is especially true of popular rug materials like jute and sisal.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
  • Beyond all of the twists and many, many, many turns that kept viewers tuned in every Tuesday night, the core of the show was about true female friendship and the loyalty that comes with that, no matter what.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • My advice is to conduct an honest assessment of your team's capabilities relative to migration requirements.
    AJ Bubb, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Ananda Lewis’ voice cut through silence like light through mist—bold, unwavering, and luminously honest.
    Essence, Essence, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Jordan Campbell: What Filipe Luis has created at Flamengo is a real testament to what having a clear coaching vision can do.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The person behind the schoolboy video, which defended Duterte, claimed to the news agency that the views shared were collected from real students.
    Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Today's audiences—both Hispanic and non-Hispanic—are savvy, diverse, and crave genuine representation and storytelling.
    Isaac Mizrahi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Coach Wall was a remarkable individual whose kindness and genuine spirit touched all who knew him.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Because these are open-box deals, the items have been taken out of their original packaging and could arrive with minor scratches—but that won’t stop us from accepting the massive discount.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
  • The building is listed at $2.49 million, a drop from its original price of $2.9 million.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • We’re used to the actual pick announcements being mumbled into a microphone, so contracting out some charisma wasn’t the worst idea.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Even without actual mucus, suction cups with a water seal have been found to hang onto things 55 times longer than those without.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The full-length collection that accompanied the film shot her into the stratosphere, becoming not just another commercial success but a certified blockbuster.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Previously, issuing the fines required federal agents to either personally serve the notice upon a person by certified mail, or to their attorney and people had the right to contest it after being given a 30-day warning that the fine was coming.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 27 June 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 5 Jul. 2025.

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