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 When Miller first got the script, her character's authentic realness attracted her to this project. Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025 The integrity of our legal system depends on accurate information and authentic legal authority. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 The tone and grit is authentic to the original show, and the writing never feels too dissimilar. Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025 Diners rave about its tacos, homemade salsa, and famous margaritas, and its burritos, while not entirely authentic, are unforgettable. Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for authentic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authentic
Adjective
  • But their filing this week suggests that response wasn't genuine.
    Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Donors, for their part, gain peace of mind knowing their contributions are making a genuine, measurable difference—solidifying an enduring partnership in the quest for positive social change.
    Victoria Philips, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But new correspondence with The Times raises questions about whether that narrative is accurate, or if Bass is withholding public records.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Enhanced Decision Making Centralized content management enhances decision making by giving employees access to accurate, up-to-date information far quicker.
    Daniel Fallmann, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Without fair elections, an honest media environment and a credible opposition, voters can’t correct their country’s course at the ballot box, providing competitive authoritarian regimes little incentive to do anything but enrich themselves.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
  • But to be honest the significant immune support is more than enough to keep me taking it.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But while Connecticut is largely forested, only about one-tenth of 1% of all forest land in the state is considered true old-growth forest.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
  • These actions have been saving lives and driving true culture change, creating a safer future for everyone.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Major construction on the new building was completed in late last year, at which point scaffolding came down and the city got its first real view of the 900-foot-long concrete structure.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Tech N9ne, whose real name is Aaron Yates, is a Kansas City native and co-founder of the independent record label Strange Music and the the sole artist to contribute a track with lyrics for the KC Sonic ID release.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • All live-fire exercises in the current drill were halted until the investigation to determine the exact reason for the accident was finished.
    Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Determining the exact source of these fake plates and understanding people’s aversion to properly registering their cars have left the Union County Sheriff’s Department with head-scratching questions.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Many have long since been demolished or altered beyond recognition, but some of the most beautiful have miraculously kept their original structures and decoration intact.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • In their original incarnation, the Dolls only lasted a few years, and Johansen went on to have a more varied career — as Buster Poindexter, as blues singer, as actor — than anyone could have imagined in the early Seventies.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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