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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Richard Gere Richard Gere has been a bona fide movie star for nearly half a century. —

Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024 The company is heavily subsidizing the exec’s travel, without even getting a tax deduction if there’s no bona fide security reason to take the plane for a weekend jaunt to Aspen. —

Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 The third category, which is perhaps the most puzzling, comprises a bona fide enthusiasm for tallow—which, to be fair, makes a delicious french fry. —

Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024 Turkmenistan even has a bona fide beach town — Awaza. —

Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bona fide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bona fide

Adjective

Most importantly, understanding the difference between age labels and generations will eliminate the age hype and produce more authentic communications that resonate.

Sheila Callaham, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Perhaps her highest praise is that Destiny's performance was authentic outside and inside the ring.

Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024