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
  • Its night time resting heart heart rate measurement is 99.6% accurate, while its heart rate variability (the variation in time between consecutive heart beats) is 98% accurate when compared to a medical-grade electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the heart’s electrical activity.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 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
  • And even if that stuff weren’t true, there are already plenty of budget-friendly retailers who serve the consumer audience that wants that look, like Zara, COS, H&M, and literally countless others.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 4 Mar. 2025
  • 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
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
  • These individuals deserve compassion, support, and real solutions to address their pain—not irreversible procedures that leave them scarred for life.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The injury will sideline LeMahieu for at least a couple weeks, according to the New York Post’s Greg Joyce, though the 36-year-old was waiting to talk with team doctors to get an exact timeline.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The date for ticket resale, where tickets that have not been fully paid for are put back up for purchase, is set for the spring, although the exact date has not been announced.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter reveals that WWE's original plans involved a feud between McIntyre and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes after WrestleMania.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The Purple One also created the original song score for director Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Authentic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authentic. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on authentic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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