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
  • Velcro dogs simply enjoy staying close, while dogs with separation anxiety experience genuine panic when left alone.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The industry’s obsession with olfactory hierarchies of terpenes and flavors has supplanted genuine curiosity about the science of cannabis.
    Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While the eruption poses no danger to humans, an accurate prediction could put researchers closer to accurately being able to forecast volcanic eruptions, according to researchers.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Reports that Rihanna would be in attendance for her partner, A$AP Rocky’s, criminal trial have proven themselves accurate, as court reporter Meghann Cuniff has revealed that the singer is, indeed, in the courtroom gallery, seated beside family members.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This one’s all over the place tonally, on purpose: Ferrell wrestles a fake alligator over here, while over there, Witherspoon bravely engages with her siblings and their intimidating mother to hammer out an honest reconciliation after too long.
    Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The parallels here are unsubtle, but Falconer’s delicate and impressively assured direction smoothes them into something honest, so that even the moments that might seem obvious to us roil with self-revelation.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 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
  • And if so, is that a price the WNBA is willing to pay to stay true to its values?
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The real people who are in danger are those who are fearful of being deported.
    Brian Bennett, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The real scandal is not that violent rioters were charged on this occasion but that they were let off on so many other occasions.
    The Editors, National Review, 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
  • While researchers were not able to pinpoint the exact cause, some researchers cited hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a decrease in estrogen as possible causes.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The newlywed took to Reddit this week, as original poster (OP) Visual_Ad_158, to reveal how her mother-in-law (MIL) arrived in an entire white gown, which, in pictures, looked indistinguishable from a bridal dress.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
  • 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

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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