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 Strong home video sales and cable TV reruns have since ensured the film’s legacy as a bona fide cult classic, with people still running up and quoting the film to Shannon to this day. —

Keaton Bell, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2024 This is Amazon’s first bona fide smart home controller, a flat panel designed to be mounted to the wall or popped on a desk. —

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2024 With a career spanning over 30 years in film, television, and fashion, Hu Bing is a bona fide icon in China. —

Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 This bird’s style and novelty helped fashion a handful of Arizona canyons into bona fide life-list hot spots for birdwatchers. —

Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bona fide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide

Adjective

The rating never came though — Prey played too fast and loose with comics canon to court fans still starved for authentic adaptations, yet leaned on comics references hard enough to possibly alienate newcomers.

Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
In addition to the main museum, visitors can explore the 1860s-era McWilliams House—an authentic pioneer home—and a replica of a working blacksmith shop.

Yan Zhao, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024