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 Chad Tons The most successful marketing campaigns begin with authentic, memorable experiences. — K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Interiors were dreamed up by Studio Bonarchi, who leaned into Tinian stonework and marble, with authentic pigeonhole detailing that nods to the island’s dovecotes. — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026 These authentic conversations explore how books can challenge us, comfort us, and change us. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 In this way, big-reveal content commodifies authentic human emotion. — Literary Hub, 10 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
  • The case that American leadership in this technology carries a genuine security dimension has never looked stupid to me.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • To make Chinese legal institutions more appealing, Beijing would need to grant them genuine autonomy rather than merely expecting professionalism in routine cases.
    — Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • The prerequisite to knowing business value is a cost model that is comprehensive, accurate and trusted.
    — Udam Dewaraja, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • My son was diagnosed with a spontaneous variant resulting in Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, and my daughter ultimately received an accurate genetic diagnosis of Phelan-McDermid syndrome after years of unanswered questions.
    — Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • This is the second episode but, in some respects, the real kickoff to this new season.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The real causes of inflammation are dietary patterns that contain too many calories, too much sugar, or too much saturated fat.
    — Marie Bladt, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • But regardless of any lack of confidence in Hamas’ true intentions, in Mladenov’s faith in the ability to verify weapons decommissioning, or indeed Netanyahu’s own willingness to order any troop withdrawals, why poke Trump so publicly in the eye?
    — Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • This problem-first strategy is crucial for unlocking AI's true potential.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • And the honest inventory is longer than most executives think.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • His honest songwriting — and lack of fear around making a song sound a little darker or more dangerous than what we’re used to hearing on country radio — is what sets him apart.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • While the exact timing and intensity of the impacts are still uncertain and will ultimately depend on how close Lala tracks to the Hawaiian islands, heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf impacts are likely this weekend.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • According to the outlet, casings found outside the building suggest the shooting began outside and then continued inside the apartment, but an investigation into the exact circumstances continues.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • One stores and processes incoming charge, while another traps electrons to control how quickly the device returns to its original state.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Many of the original features have been preserved, including two magnificent fireplaces with bread ovens.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of authentic for Spanish Speakers

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