Synonyms of authentic

authentic

adjective

ə-ˈthen-tik 

1

as in genuine

being exactly as appears or as claimed

found an authentic Native American arrowhead

Synonyms & Similar Words

• genuine
• honest
• true
• real
• original
• certified
• unmistakable
• historical
• actual
• bona fide
• for real
• certifiable
• pure
• sure-enough
• identifiable
• right
• legitimate
• pukka
• very
• dinkum
• pucka
• legal
• accurate
• echt
• verifiable
• lawful
• recognizable
• validated
• indisputable
• proven
• unquestionable
• verified
• irrefutable
• undeniable
• substantiated
• incontrovertible
• incontestable
• correct
• indubitable
• unadulterated
• proper
• undoubted
• veritable
• unalloyed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• false
• fake
• unauthentic
• counterfeit
• unreal
• phony
• imitation
• spurious
• bogus
• pseudo
• synthetic
• mock
• artificial
• phoney
• sham
• simulated
• supposititious
• unnatural
• factitious
• manufactured
• suppositious
• misleading
• fabricated
• deceptive
• concocted
• man-made
• delusive
• delusory

2

as in accurate

following an original exactly

an authentic reconstruction of the Parthenon as it is believed to have looked when first built

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accurate
• true
• exact
• careful
• faithful
• precise
• realistic
• strict
• genuine
• right
• real
• authoritative
• meticulous
• veracious
• conscientious
• lifelike
• scrupulous
• bona fide
• punctilious
• veridical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• false
• inaccurate
• corrupt
• loose
• unfaithful
• inauthentic
• careless
• imprecise
• inexact
• corrupted
• erroneous
• wrong
• slack
• incorrect
• off
• untrue
• invalid
• slovenly
• unsound
• slipshod
• untruthful

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective authentic contrast with its synonyms?

The words bona fide and genuine are common synonyms of authentic. While all three words mean "being actually and exactly what is claimed," 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 can bona fide be used instead of authentic?

The words bona fide and authentic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bona fide implies good faith and sincerity of intention.

a bona fide offer for the stock

Where would genuine be a reasonable alternative to authentic?

The words genuine and authentic can be used in similar contexts, 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

Recent Examples of authentic

And then at the same time, Laurie is an alcoholic whose life is falling apart, and is not willing to be authentic with her friends about what’s actually happening in her life. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2025

Our mission is to embrace the most authentic versions of ourselves and our objectives. —Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 24 Feb. 2025

Our fact-check sources Sam Zuber, Feb. 11, Phone interview with USA TODAY USA TODAY, Sept. 9, 2024, Meteorologists say New York City tornado video is not authentic | Fact check Thank you for supporting our journalism. —Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

These refreshingly authentic and playful picture books celebrate the many kinds of love that can fill kids’ lives. —Claire Moses, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025