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 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
  • This rings especially true for me, a vegetarian for nearly two decades.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be honest about systems that are no longer serving their purpose.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Renegade Paws Rescue's honest assessment of Igor's personality garnered the attention of thousands of animal lovers, who shared the post over 35,000 times.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This straightforward mental technique might give future retirees a measurable edge with real financial impact.
    Wes Moss, Forbes.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
  • Plaintiff Phone Discovery: Critical Strategic Elements Successful phone discovery requires understanding several strategic elements that can significantly improve outcomes: The Education Component: Many resistance issues stem from genuine misunderstanding about what cell phone forensics involves.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • There’s real reason for caution here, starting with the idea that interactions with A.I. can be treated as genuine relationships.
    Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • My original intent was that people would partner with us.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • 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
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

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Cite this Entry

“Bona fide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bona%20fide. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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