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 Savor an authentic Sunday roast complete with Yorkshire puddings at The Royal Oak. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025 New to this year’s Fan Zone is the opportunity to bid on authentic Chiefs items autographed by many of the team’s superstars. The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025 The authentic Irish feel Nora Mac is actually the name of owner Denis McDonagh’s grandmother. Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025 Through its patented fabric technology and innovative post-weave colorization, Lab Denim is able to preserve the authentic look, feel, and durability of conventional denim while drastically reducing environmental impact. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for authentic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authentic
Adjective
  • Birmingham, Alabama, home with a sense of genuine, collected warmth.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The information the source supplies must be newsworthy and give readers genuine insight.
    Maria Abi-Habib, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While some might have considered the project too niche, Kyle’s intuition about the product’s appeal seems to have been accurate, with even the X Games getting a taste of the product earlier this year.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Still, Republicans have said that even if that call was accurate, the C.I.A. failed in understanding other key events: how quickly the Afghan government could collapse, how Bashar al-Assad would flee Syria and how Hamas was preparing to attack Israel.
    Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Punching probably is a bit overrated, to be honest.
    Michael Cox, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The bottom line is that deciding whether to start a new business requires an honest assessment of your passion, dedication, and readiness for the journey ahead.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Multigenerational families living together is very true to Latine culture in the United States and beyond.
    Zayda Rivera, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Even if for the sake of argument that were true, the policy response is not and never can be.
    The Editors, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the tampering accusation, which got the bulk of the headlines, feels like a distraction from the real issue.
    Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • There is a real wild card factor this year with the L.A. wildfires having caused the Academy to extend the voting deadline twice, giving voters five full extra days.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The exact cause of the fire, which killed 17 people and destroyed more than 9,000 homes and businesses, remains under investigation, and a final determination could take many months.
    Ivan Penn, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Though the princess' exact due date wasn't disclosed, Beatrice and her family shifted their Christmas plans at the last minute in light of her pregnancy.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Also want to say a huge thank you to Sheriff Leonard! ♬ original sound – Jelly Roll The men jogged into place.
    Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2025
  • There are changes like, the original movie that inspires the plot was actually a Nazi propaganda film, while this feels more like the classic musicals MGM cranked out.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near authentic

Cite this Entry

“Authentic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authentic. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on authentic

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