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

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

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
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