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 Unfortunately for certain bona fide hits on broadcast TV, longevity in primetime doesn’t necessary lead to — or even guarantee — a major win at the Emmys. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 27 May 2025 Stolarz’s size, aggressive demeanour and shot-tracking ability established him as a bona fide NHL tandem goalie for the first time. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 20 May 2025 While many bona fide contenders could use Bichette, AthlonSports' Dave Gasper suggested the Milwaukee Brewers could trade for Bichette. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 Signing Lewis Hamilton, a bona fide superstar with seven titles already on his CV, hasn't exactly reduced the amount of pressure on Scuderia Ferrari, either. ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • Yes, native plants are definitely authentic, and great for supporting our birds and pollinators, but their magic can be subtle in a landscape, one that takes time to appreciate.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • When computers can simulate empathy, generate personalized romantic messages, or even create convincing virtual partners, what happens to the authentic vulnerability that genuine intimacy requires?
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The formula for ‘true tackles’ is slightly more long-winded: tackles + challenges lost + fouls committed.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • The young man is at a crossroads between pursuing shallow, glitzy easy money, or being true to his emotional and artistic muses.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Because spontaneous conversations are harder in a hybrid environment, actively create spaces for honest discussions.
    Ayaskant Sarangi, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • So much of it feels like a fever dream, to be honest, being in Singapore.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, the real star of the show is the puffer complex.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 3 June 2025
  • That’s the real opportunity for the industry today.
    Shahar Man, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • That genuine moment became a symbol of love, sacrifice and something deeper — breaking generational cycles.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • Listen actively to the client's concerns, demonstrating genuine empathy for their position.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • These operators pay artisans and specialized mechanics top dollar to maintain and refurbish the century-old rides, all in an effort to preserve their original design and craftsmanship.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • His father, Horace Byrd Jenkins III—an Emmy Award winner for his work as an original producer on Sesame Street—moved to Harlem shortly thereafter, while Jenkins, his mother Monart, and his sister ended up in Astoria, Queens.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Only 41% of brands surveyed revealed their wage policies, and just 24% provided data on the actual wages paid throughout their supply chains.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Rizzo doesn't seem to think that Cleveland will give him that chance, but the actual answer to that question is currently unknown.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • These are easy do-it-ourselves things that don’t require calling in a certified arborist, although that’s always a great idea if the wheels start to come off.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025
  • Demoing the move above is Maggi Gao, CPT, a certified kettlebell instructor and fitness coach based in New York City.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 16 May 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 7 Jun. 2025.

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