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 Luka’s arrival was a bona fide bombshell, a blockbuster by every measure, including to the player himself, who landed, stunned, in L.A. a few hours later. Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026 The films launched Culkin to fame and have become bona fide Christmas classics, whose emotional core lies in the palpable chemistry between Culkin and O’Hara. Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026 But in recent years, Northern Baja has rebounded into a bona fide travel destination again. Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Strait, a bona fide legend, and Stapleton, a current Grammy fave, are a sure-fire, one-two punch. Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • Alternatively, paddle or trek to Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant on Sai Kung, where the catch of the day is served with a side of authentic and family-friendly Hong Kong charm.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • And Dent learned of Edney’s legendary shot, recreating it in his own authentic way.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Krejci’s expression as referee Tom Kirk brandished the red card looked like one of genuine bewilderment.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • There was genuine excitement among students and founders.
    The AI Insider, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Load levels, temperatures, events, alarm histories, battery status and more are all monitored in real-time, and once any measured parameter strays outside of normal levels, the urgency of an onsite intervention can be quantified and acted upon.
    Big Think, Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The Los Angeles artist, whose real name was James Dear, died Sunday at a private residence, according to the the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Easy but exciting paths that felt like true tree lines to them.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Summing up the whole picture is impossible, and attempting to do it requires treading carefully, so as to maintain important boundaries between what is definitely true and what seems likely or merely speculative.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • An honest basketball coach without a real playbook.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Clear, calm boundaries and honest talks can protect your peace while keeping family bonds strong.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Its cable networks barely make any original content anymore, beyond Comedy Central’s South Park and the Daily Show.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • From the towering pillars of original Tennessee marble preserved in the lounge area to the archive of the original Noels' personal artifacts transforming the mezzanine into an intimate, dark academia library, the Noelle is littered with Easter eggs to the past.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The protesters never mentioned his name on their live stream and never published his actual home address.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
  • That this passion for art has given it any greater understanding of actual human nature might be.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond companies such as TurboTax and H&R Block, taxpayers can also hire licensed professionals, such as certified public accountants.
    Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Exceptions are made for nonprofit organizations and certified fundraisers.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 26 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 28 Feb. 2026.

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