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 What began as a playful and creative NFT project has evolved into a bona fide brand powerhouse. Will Fan, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 With their 2022 compilation Hits to the Head, Franz Ferdinand proved themselves one of the only 21st century rock bands who could pull off a bona fide greatest-hits album without looking criminally delusional. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2025 The Cavs are, as of now, one of the best regular-season teams ever at 32-4; the Thunder aren’t far behind them with 30 wins and have a bona fide MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 For much of the 2024 season, the Vikings' vagabond quarterback looked like a bona fide MVP candidate. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • While the first is undeniably true, how accurate is the second?
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The Airbrush is also a true full-length style that's proved clutch for taller shoppers (see below).
    Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Senior officials responsible for keeping agencies honest and accountable were among those purged.
    Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Even from an honest left-wing perspective, Haaland’s rise has little to ...
    Paul J. Gessing, National Review, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The landscape of the women’s game, though getting more crowded with real contenders, is not quite there yet.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2025
  • This debauchery led to Fear being banned from SNL, which singer Lee Ving has always considered to be a real honor.
    Shannon Carlin, TIME, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The film, which tells the true story of an all-Black, all-female battalion in WWII, also saw Kerry Washington take home the Best Actress award in a moment of genuine shock and gratitude.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Feb. 2025
  • But the film’s dull political edge doesn’t diminish the joy ride’s momentum, nor the flashes of genuine weirdness that keep us guessing.
    Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The film also won best actor for Brody at the BAFTAs, as well as best cinematography and best original score.
    Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • An epic poem from Homer, the original literary classic explored themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In one recent study, Transamerica found that fewer than two-thirds of retirees have an actual retirement plan.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Dozens of record-low temperatures are possible in the central United States from Tuesday through Friday, with actual lows as cold as minus 30 degrees in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota. >ABC News' Victoria Arancio and Josh Richardson contributed to this report.
    Daniel Amarante, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There will also be a goldfish show with certified judging.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The final draft of the standard is nearly complete and will recommend the following: use of certified cells, proper cell spacing, busbar requirements, and enhanced BMS system.
    John Orlando, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 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 28 Feb. 2025.

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