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 For Democrats in this robustly blue state, part of the challenge in figuring a path forward is that every candidate — even those already in power — pitches themselves as a bona fide progressive against the status quo. National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026 Its first season had strong ratings, but by season two, the show had become a bona fide phenomenon and eventually passed The Sopranos for the most viewers of an HBO show ever. Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026 What to expect from Wilson the broadcaster As a bona fide superstar quarterback, Wilson was always going to have great TV opportunities ahead of him once his playing days were over. Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 3 June 2026 The couple is known for transforming their small apartment kitchen into a bona fide cafe complete with specialty drinks, featured menu items, and friends gathered around tables or curled up on sofas (or sometimes the floor) with a plate. Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bona fide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide
Adjective
  • Jim would be noticed for his authentic performance, and his career as a character actor was launched.
    Carl Kurlander, Deadline, 13 June 2026
  • Made with a simple combination of authentic Greek ingredients including Greek vodka, extra virgin olive oil, and a custom Afrala sea salt solution, the cocktail highlights quality and authenticity.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tables filled with food, cheerful toasts and a genuine love for partying became popular with non-Armenian clientele too.
    Ani Duzdabanyan, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • The actor argued that social media creates the illusion of intimacy while removing the unpredictability that comes with genuine human connection.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Not only without the ball, their were moments of real quality when Cape Verde recovered possession, zipping the ball around the Spanish pressure and often looking to play their way out with short passes into midfield.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • In the scientific community, there are a few outliers, but by and large, there’s a pretty universal agreement among scientists that the climate crisis is real and important.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Life comes at you fast, and that could not be truer in the world of baseball.
    Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • This is certainly true—and a rather banal truism.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Let’s be honest, not everyone loves shorts, and structured, straight or skinny pants are too restricting.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
  • These sound like honest observations.
    Staff Author, Parents, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • As the investigation continued, evidence emerged that directly contradicted original theories that Jason Hobby had started or maintained the Alexander Mountain Fire.
    Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • That tournament produced nearly a half-billion dollars in economic activity, double the original projections.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The music video shows Rodrigo prancing around the actual Palace of Versailles, in a controversial babydoll dress singing about a boy looking like an angel on its walls.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • However, that doesn’t affect the actual smoking process.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Authentic experiences working in instructional roles directly with children, in classrooms mentored by certified teachers, is a key component of the Read Alliance program.
    Read Alliance, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • This expansion helps workers gain new skills, such as becoming a certified nursing assistant or welder, through federal assistance for training programs lasting 8 to 15 weeks.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 June 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 19 Jun. 2026.

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