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 Rapper from New Orleans has a reputation for his distinctive flow and authentic storytelling. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Her work is rooted in an authentic Indigenous worldview, with a particular focus on the peoples of the Salish Sea. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 This Packard is one of four authentic 1108 Twelve Individual Custom Sport Phateon by LeBaron examples left and still has its original engine, chassis and coachwork. — Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026 If the audience responds, Spalk is quick to bring in local commentators and producers to create an authentic and culturally relevant broadcast. — Ben Reynolds, Sportico.com, 27 Aug. 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
  • In the artists who are asking that people leave their phones at home or in their pockets at concerts, in the genuine concern over whether younger generations are going to be able to read like older generations.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • No government has publicly disclosed how many were judged genuine.
    — Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • The more accurate framing is that many of these fees are supplier-imposed and disclosed in booking terms that travelers frequently do not read in full.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Maher noted that many of those candidates were heavy favorites to win but agreed that his statement was not accurate.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • Only 24 and with room to grow, but also real pedigree, Nico felt like the perfect, window-shaping addition.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The shower itself features a deep green wall digitally printed to appear like real tile.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • The true main event will pit top AEW star Mercedes Mone against Willow Nightingale in yet another women’s world title match that will not go on last.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Unlocking the true nature of dark energy and dark matter could help astronomers understand what the universe is made of, how its expansion has changed over time, and if there is more to understanding gravity than meets the eye.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • April 20 – May 20 A plan with friends may work better with a little honest adjusting.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Taurus April 20 – May 20 A plan with friends may work better with a little honest adjusting.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • The department has said about 20 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for actions at Wounded Knee, though the exact number is unclear due to incomplete or unclear records.
    — Meghan O'Brien, States Newsroom, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The piece gets into such details as what Vrabel and one of his assistants had for dinner the night before the game and that the two discussed the exact game scenario that led to the decision to go for two.
    — Mike Semel, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • The shop’s mascot, a rabbit, is named Lewis, after the original Lewis & Duncan grocery store that once inhabited the building.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Historic Preservation Commission members voted Thursday to approve exterior changes to the mansion’s original design plan as the building, now more than a century old, undergoes restoration and renovation as part of a new residential development.
    — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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