authentic

adjective

ə-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 Creators can use data on trending and bestselling items to handpick products that resonate with their audiences, offering authentic reviews and demonstrations, as well as real-life use cases. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 But because so many creators are fans, the company sees its work with them as a partnership and an authentic way to reach audiences. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 These experts help train LinkedIn’s AI model on what authentic, useful posts look like. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 The film will blend live performances with a glimpse into Styles’ world, alongside authentic stories from those involved in the tour — from the singer and his fans to the many people working behind the scenes, according to Variety. — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 18 Oct. 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
  • Net-net, this is a genuine improvement for the customers of everything.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The real question is whether the F 450 RR can deliver enough character and genuine riding pleasure to justify its premium positioning, particularly when the middleweight sportbike segment is getting increasingly crowded.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • The forecast is accurate for a day or two but rarely predictive over weeks or months.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The important point is that a label doesn't have to be accurate to influence how a company views you.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • As in many of the attractions, he’s based on a real person who experienced certain events.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The tension follows the women to Courtney’s event celebrating her husband’s birthday, where the real entertainment for the evening was Tia and Gizelle lacing stepping in the ring.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • Andrew Durand, with his handsome crab-apple features, makes a perfectly quizzical Benjamin; Kelsee Kimmel is stirring as his true love, who shares his age just once.
    — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Founded in Switzerland in 2010, On has collaborated with an impressive roster of partners over the last 16 years, from tennis legend Roger Federer to Spanish fashion house Loewe, all while staying true to its mission of celebrating movement.
    — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • My honest read on timing is that the five percent will be twenty percent by end of 2027, and fifty by end of 2029.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • Undoubtedly, the biggest blow was the announcement that the kingdom is postponing its flagship investment conference, the Future Investment Initiative, until next year, although no exact date has been set.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • His work is crisp, playful, and nostalgic, replicating the exact fonts and presentations of centuries-old stylings for businesses and public parks alike.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • The original owners were vaudevillians who had a mind-reading act and were passionately into the occult.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The new record is the closest that the two have come to infusing their distinctive DJing style into their original productions.
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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