Definition of bona fidenext

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 Why book For that golden intersection of gripping design and home-grown, regenerative ideology, Fowlescombe Farm is remarkably quick to reach by train, despite its bona fide rural location on the fringes of Dartmoor. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 From 1935 to 1938, Temple was the biggest box office draw in the world, filling more seats in theaters than leading man Clark Gable and bona fide superstars like Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo. Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2026 My mom is a bona fide mule fan, and this pair caught her eye for its plentiful five-star ratings, casual yet elevated feel, and springtime vibes. Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026 López distinguished himself during a tournament with at least two other bona fide managerial candidates, Puerto Rico’s Yadier Molina and the Dominican Republic’s Albert Pujols. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • Pratt's supporters believe his approach will translate to votes because the message is authentic.
    Tom Wait, CBS News, 2 May 2026
  • In fact, Americans of all backgrounds are seeking out new global flavors and authentic experiences, according to market research company Datassential.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the slow realization that Snake Rob was a genuine threat who would ultimately run the game was especially satisfying and a reminder of how well The Traitors works as an all-star showcase and narrative machine, even in its fourth season.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026
  • On an island with no shortage of luxury hotels, this one sets itself apart with its easygoing approach and genuine Italian hospitality.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Every year, Ed Resnick, the owner of Event Carpet, crosses the street from the Met to hand out leftover pieces from the real carpet to fans.
    Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026
  • The only real opportunity for Cubs fans to experience Wrigley’s last look of elegance occurs if the Cubs play in late October or early November in the World Series.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With the Moon now moving through your 7th House of Partnership, conversations become more direct, honest, and revealing in a useful way.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • The Moon in Scorpio forms a smooth trine to Jupiter in your 7th House of Partnership, opening the door to more honest and supportive connection.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Several times in the last couple of decades, Microsoft has released source code for the original MS-DOS operating system that kicked off its decades-long dominance of consumer PCs.
    Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
  • At Fairmont Bagel, dig into its original poppy-seed bagel.
    Megan Wallitsch, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The system establishes operational standards through its three main functions that develop incentives while tracking performance and ensuring projects meet actual environmental requirements.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • In my world, the dirty plates should be cleared, but the actual washing of the dishes waits until everyone is finished.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Commissioner John Herbst, a certified public accountant who has brought a fiscally conservative voice to the dais since winning office in 2022, is resigning from the Fort Lauderdale City Commission two years into his four-year term.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
  • Other certified candidates appearing on the ballot for lieutenant governor include Democrats Janelle Kellman, Jeyson Lopez, Oliver Ma, Tim Myers and Abdur Rahman Sikder and Republicans Ebie Lynch, David Collenberg, David Fennell and Skip Shelton.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bona fide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bona%20fide. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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