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

Examples 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 Many of their posts include QR codes that link to legitimate news outlets to make the posts appear authentic. Erielle Delzer, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 This video is also not authentic, and its contents are false. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 For the Grimms, what mattered was to be authentic, not appropriate, and fairy tales, across many literary traditions, weren’t always intended for children. Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024 Countless Sherry And Vermouth Bars To experience the best bars in Madrid in their most authentic form, look no further than its myriad vermuterias (vermouth bars), tabernas and tascas (taverns), serving wine, beer, sherry, vermouth–and tapas, of course. Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for authentic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authentic
Adjective
  • It’s commonly assumed that DEI work is only designated for a specific position within leadership or HR, when in reality, genuine DEI is embedded throughout an organization and is beyond a stand-alone role, group or function.
    Carla Thompson Payton, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Notably, the brand did activations not just at the race track, but in the cities where shoppers who were unable to attend the race could purchase the collaboration — making a genuine connection with their customers.
    Kanika Talwar, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Provide accurate and real-time tracking of their shipments, and make sure your processes are end-user-friendly.
    Raheel Sheikh, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Athleta is celebrating Singles Day early with 25% off everything Shop early Black Friday purse deals for up to 85% off Coach, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Stick to transparent, honest consent methods that respect users and ensure compliance.
    Ian Cohen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Simard: Some of it is just combined with comedy in general, to be honest.
    Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This is especially true if a maker has a particular project or range of projects in mind.
    Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
  • This is especially true in fields like art and design, where a personal touch is often what draws clients in the first place.
    Ray Corral, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The English teacher dug out the real recommendation from his briefcase.
    Adam Patric Miller, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Never mind the state’s policies (high gas taxes, special fuels mandate and a push to end fossil-fuels production) are the real causes of crushing gas prices.
    Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The exact cause of the large freighter’s demise during the storm remains a mystery.
    The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Basically, any value in the matrix that is below 0.5 is going to become zero and any value above that threshold is going to become a 1 (side note: the exact value of 0.5 is a special case and the AI developers would provide a rule whether to round up or down).
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The original data was derived from the Brownie`s Marine Group Inc quarterly 10-Q report dated November 20, 2024.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The current crop of WAGs in America is seemingly smarter and savvier than the original group of Brits.
    Meg Walters, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near authentic

Cite this Entry

“Authentic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authentic. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on authentic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!