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 Kylie cemented herself as a bona fide tastemaker in the early-2000s, so prepare for pure pop bliss. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Would the cost to devise a bona fide simulation be worth the effort? Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 As far as the classic-car market is concerned, Jaguar’s E-Type may have an iconic aesthetic, but its value is dwarfed today by that of the German marque’s original 300 SL, which has become a bona fide blue-chip collectible. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 7 July 2025 In 1926, Aimee Semple McPherson was a bona fide celebrity. Liz Ohanesian, Oc Register, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • Step into the jungle at Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza's ARCA for an award-winning dining and craft cocktail experience that feels innovative yet deeply authentic to the richness of one of Mexico's most celebrated regional cuisines.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Body cam footage from the police department, which was shared by local Miami news station WPLG Local 10 and verified to be authentic by PEOPLE at the time, showed police entering the plane and approaching Beckham during the November 27, 2022 incident.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • This rings especially true for me, a vegetarian for nearly two decades.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 July 2025
  • This was certainly true of the Mets last summer when Taylor played his way into the lineup more consistently than Harrison Bader.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is a great way to spot medical fraud or an honest human error like a miscoding of services.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • He’s been honest and realistic with his teammates about it.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Oreo Puffs cereal is made with real Oreo cookie wafers, according to Post Consumer Brands, that are crunchy and chocolatey spheres along with marshmallows.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
  • Explore the challenges of bringing Stitch into the real world, how the familiar images of the original were recreated, and join returning cast members on a set that embodies ‘ohana.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • In 2025, personal touch and human logic are vital for combating the fatigue often associated with a lack of genuine connection.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2025
  • Partnering with causes that align with his values can also help shift the narrative from scandal to substance, but crucially, these efforts must appear genuine and authentic.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • The original vision was to phase out the Flintstones theme, but overwhelming public affection and nostalgia changed their minds.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • My original intent was that people would partner with us.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The actual spinal bones can weaken or arewedge shaped, allowing the hump to happen.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • The unintended result however is that the actual people who use the tool are often missing from design conversations.
    Lindsay Phillips, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • The chance to stargaze from the comfort of your bed, especially in a certified dark site, is truly an unparalleled experience.
    Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
  • For the best results, and to stay injury-free, team up with a certified fitness professional.
    Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bona fide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bona%20fide. Accessed 3 Aug. 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!