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 At the time, Lee’s star was rising, while Garland was already a bona fide legend — though undeniably troubled by her tumultuous upbringing in Hollywood's unforgiving studio system. —

Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024 Then came contests for Dev Patel, Jeremy Allen White and so many others that the goofy fad is ending 2024 as a bona fide trend. —

Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024 Watch in Theaters Rebel Ridge Director Jeremy Saulnier (Green Room, Murder Party) makes his return to the big screen for the first time in six years with this captivating crime thriller that will be remembered as the film that turned Aaron Pierre into a bona fide star. —

Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024 The Mets reportedly met last week with the 23-year-old Japanese prodigy, who according to all the scouts would definitely qualify as a bona fide top-of-the-rotation starter. —

Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bona fide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide

Adjective

The authentic Irish feel Nora Mac is actually the name of owner Denis McDonagh’s grandmother.

Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025
Adding to the authentic feel, Despelote is fully voiced in Spanish and features field recordings of Quito itself.

Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025