BONA FIDE Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

bona fide

adjective

ˈbō-nə-ˌfīd

Definition of bona fide next

as in authentic

being exactly as appears or as claimed a bona fide war hero

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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

Examples 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 Even in this season of abundance, there are plenty of bona fide reasons to cry, complain and kvetch! —

Jennifer Hubert Swan, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 With a freshly gifted cowboy hat perched on her head, Carpenter transformed into a bona fide Texas sweetheart, belting out the country classic. —

Ana Gutierrez, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Oct. 2024 Watch on Amazon Air Sure, nowadays Michael Jordan is a bona fide sports god, and Nike’s Air Jordan sneakers are still arguably the court shoe—but that wasn’t the case back in 1984. —

Matt Kamen, WIRED, 26 Oct. 2024 Put it all together, and on paper the Eagles have all the traits of a bona fide Super Bowl contender. —

Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bona fide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide

Adjective

With a mission of not changing but elevating, Rich ensured Alexandra Foods’ values, quality, and recipes remained the same, continuing Mark and Alexandra's legacy of authentic culinary craft.

Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
The Do's and Don'ts outlined in this guide will help brands avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing and cultivate authentic, impactful, eco-friendly branding.

Evgeny Popov, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024