Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective authentic contrast with its synonyms?

The words bona fide and genuine are common synonyms of authentic. While all three words mean "being actually and exactly what is claimed," 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 can bona fide be used instead of authentic?

The words bona fide and authentic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bona fide implies good faith and sincerity of intention.

a bona fide offer for the stock

Where would genuine be a reasonable alternative to authentic?

The words genuine and authentic can be used in similar contexts, 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 authentic Under her leadership in 2024, the magazine has thrived by offering readers a glorious and authentic view of the makers of L.A. style, fashion and art. Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025 His personal battle with cystic fibrosis, characterized by chronic pain, infused Salmon Run with authentic meaning that transcends its simple pixels. ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025 As Venus stations direct in Pisces the same day, love, romance, and self-worth may find their flow once more and help us to reframe our desires and align with more authentic connections. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2025 As part of their study of World War II and the Holocaust, the 10th grade students heard firsthand accounts from three families of survivors and interacted with authentic Holocaust artifacts, deepening their understanding of this tragic chapter in history. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authentic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authentic
Adjective
  • Between the lines: Paxton is a genuine Trump ally and is eager to hit Cornyn for being a Washington establishment figure rather than true MAGA.
    Stef W. Kight, Axios, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This is a moment of genuine courage and growth, but it can be dismissed as snitching by viewers who can’t see past her overconfidence from several hours ago.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the ability to navigate this uncertainty depends on high-quality, accurate data—particularly supplier master data—which is easier said than done.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Garland handed the character work of directing to Mendoza to honor the project’s one abiding rule: sticking without exception to an utterly accurate recounting.
    Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This accountability between sustainability initiatives and resilience among uncertainty is sparking more honest conversations, leading to more realistic goal setting and, ultimately, more meaningful progress.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The album is raw, honest, and deeply personal—a sonic letter to women and their stories, both told and untold.
    Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The same is true for picking up concertgoers after the show.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
  • That versatility is, in a lot of ways, the true beauty of unicorns.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Following Hailey’s response to the content creator, fans praised the Rhode founder for giving real, relatable feedback.
    Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Consistency is key: Heintzman recommends dry brushing at least once a week to get real results.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it, the exact cause of the disease is still not known, although a small group of cases are inherited.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Since researchers identified the exact location of the roots in 2020, the couple that owns 48 Rue Daubigny have been embroiled in a five-year legal struggle with the mayor of Auvers-sur-Oise, who wants to turn the site public.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Wherever the original source of the incorrect headline came from, it was amplified by trusted sources in financial news, creating a very expensive lesson in the value of accurate and reliable reporting.
    Hadas Gold and Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Kevin Williamson, the film’s original screenwriter, took over directing duties and ended up welcoming Neve Campbell back to the franchise.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authentic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authentic. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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