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 This can seriously harm bona fide Democratic candidates, who are deprived of party support simply because more than one Democrat is in the same race. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026 Antin signed a deal with Interscope Records in 2003 to develop the collective into a bona fide music act. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026 Baumann is also part of a bona fide Texas music supergroup, the Panhandlers, alongside Flatland Cavalry’s Cleto Cordero, Josh Abbott, and William Clark Green. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2026 But most of them save playing fast-and-loose with regulations for a bona fide life-or-death situation. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • An outgoing email, attributed to George and confirmed as authentic by CBS News on Saturday, circulated online after his ousting.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • During this special gathering, students had the opportunity to listen to personal testimonies, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in authentic dialogue that brought history to life in profound ways, a news release stated.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But the program was able to ascend to another level when 6-foot-7 transfer Lauren Betts arrived from Stanford as a genuine superstar who changed the way the Bruins were able to play and the way other teams had to defend them.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The Israeli Pavilion welcomes all who come in a genuine spirit of exchange.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Congress rarely manages to assemble bipartisan housing legislation of any real ambition, which makes the Senate’s recent passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act a remarkable feat.
    Brad Hargreaves, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2026
  • On the weekends, there are pony rides outside the Cinema dei Piccoli, but the real highlight is the San Carlino theater on Viale dei Bambini—which literally translates to 'Kids' Street'—where there’s an ever-changing roster of Italian puppet shows.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • According to a Chicago Blackhawks team source, those reports — that the PWHL would be coming to the Blackhawks’ facility — are not true.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • In fairness to Brown, this is true.
    Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Iran practices honest bludgeon work.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Use honest words, and let confidence take root.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Throughout the property, the original building's bones— beams, tiles, pillars, and window frames—were gently restored to show their age and patina, not conceal it.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Judge Barrett, who handed down the original sentence, will likely be the one to do it.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With modern mattresses, this number is dictated more by the signs of wear and tear than the actual passage of time.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Endowed not only with a privileged birthright but—unlike the actual princes over in England, who had weak chins and went bald young—the physical stature to match?
    Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Gabriel also said food manufacturers may be incentivized to change their ingredients to qualify for California’s certified seal.
    Linh Tat, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Free help, certified volunteers At the Campaign for Working Families headquarters in Philadelphia's Brewerytown neighborhood, volunteers are working nonstop to help prepare tax returns.
    Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 3 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 2026.

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