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The words bona fide<\/em><\/a> and genuine<\/em><\/a> are common synonyms of authentic<\/em>. While all three words mean \"being actually and exactly what is claimed,\" authentic<\/em> implies being fully trustworthy as according with fact; it can also stress painstaking or faithful imitation of an original.<\/p>

\/\/ an authentic<\/em> account of the perilous journey<\/p>

\/\/ an authentic<\/em> reproduction<\/p>

\/\/ authentic<\/em> Vietnamese cuisine<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'bona fide' be used instead of 'authentic'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words bona fide<\/em><\/a> and authentic<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bona fide<\/em> implies good faith and sincerity of intention.<\/p>

\/\/ a bona fide<\/em> offer for the stock<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'genuine' be a reasonable alternative to 'authentic'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words genuine<\/em><\/a> and authentic<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but genuine<\/em> implies actual character not counterfeited, imitated, or adulterated; it also connotes definite origin from a source.<\/p>

\/\/ genuine<\/em> piety<\/p>

\/\/ genuine<\/em> maple syrup<\/p>

\/\/ a genuine<\/em> Mark Twain autograph<\/p>" } } ] }

authentic

adjective

É™-ˈthen-tik How to pronounce authentic (audio)
Definition of authenticnext
1
as in genuine
being exactly as appears or as claimed found an authentic Native American arrowhead

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accurate
following an original exactly an authentic reconstruction of the Parthenon as it is believed to have looked when first built

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share some uncomfortable truths about personal branding that leaders may hesitate to acknowledge, and why facing these realities can ultimately lead to stronger, more authentic influence. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2026 The two, known online as Mama Chancla and Daddy Chancla (chancla translates to flip-flop in Spanish), are nothing if not authentic. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Mar. 2026 Haugh’s humility is infectious and authentic. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026 This year, Shapermint’s Special Occasion Sale serves as an invitation to invest in those very pieces that facilitate a lighter, more authentic version of yourself. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authentic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authentic
  1. genuine
  2. accurate
  3. real
  4. true
  5. honest
  6. exact
  7. original
Adjective
  • Still, the enthusiasm from the stage felt genuine, as did their love for Minneapolis.
    — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
  • That combination — genuine suffering refracted through dark humor, hardship worn lightly — is exactly what American audiences are finding so alluring in Korean stories right now.
    — Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • Weather apps have a tendency to alienate their user bases, perhaps because people’s physical experiences—their plans, their dress, their commutes—so directly depend on an accurate report.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    — Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • These systems include digital twins, in-line sensing, and real-time production monitoring systems that are becoming more common in modern manufacturing environments.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Adam Mesnick, the Chairman of the Board at Deliboard, a sandwich spot in San Francisco, says the Festus Feasts effect is real.
    — Max Darrow, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • To show our simple skill, That is the true beginning of our end.
    — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Courts often look to rulings in other jurisdictions to guide decisions, even if those precedents aren’t binding, according to Reyes, who said this is especially true in new legal fields like climate litigation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Academically, no; the call for honest and accurate citation of one’s sources will, and must, ring out as forcefully as ever.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The show was described as an honest look at an oft-misunderstood job, according to an application for film incentives submitted to the state in May 2025 and reviewed by The News.
    — Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • Officials also released a photo of Campos allegedly leaving a hotel in New Mexico, although the exact time and place the photo was purportedly taken wasn't immediately clear.
    — Austen Erblat, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Imagine discovering that someone else lives at your exact address — 15 miles away.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • If the rock star is a romantic individual who expresses some inner truth through original music, the idol is an omnicompetent interpreter of material.
    — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Though the original clip is authentic, showing seven dogs wandering down the side of a highway in northeastern Jilin province, Chinese state media has since debunked the narrative of their escape and journey home.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of original

Browse Nearby Words

auteurs
authentic
authentically
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Cite this Entry

“Authentic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authentic. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of authentic for Spanish Speakers

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