bona fide

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The latter, which earned Duvall an Oscar nomination and made him a bona fide star after years playing lesser roles, sees him utter what is now one of cinema's most famous lines.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

The show became a touchstone for a generation of ’90s kids and catapulted its young stars into bona fide stardom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

People will show up for what used to be routine interviews, whether it’s a bona fide marriage, even though they don’t have a criminal record, and yet, without warning, they’ll be detained.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

The films launched Culkin to fame and have become bona fide Christmas classics, whose emotional core lies in the palpable chemistry between Culkin and O’Hara.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

Still and all, to me it seemed fitting, her having moved up from housekeeper to bona fide widow.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns