honest-to-goodness

[on-ist-tuh-good-nis] / ˈɒn ɪst təˈgʊd nɪs /

ADJECTIVE

genuine

Synonyms

WEAK

absolute accurate actual authentic authenticated bona fide certain certified factual for real genuine honest honest-to-God kosher legit legitimate no buts about it official on the level on the up and up positive real real stuff really truly straight sure-enough true unquestionable valid

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.

It sells a slim control bar that magnetically snaps to the bottom of the screen, giving you honest-to-goodness physical buttons for music and climate control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Actual honest-to-goodness electrical power, the stuff of Edison and Tesla that drives microphones, lighting and the internet.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

It is time to begin regarding the Miami Dolphins as honest-to-goodness Super Bowl contenders and their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, as a top league MVP candidate.

From Washington Post • Nov. 16, 2022

Originally recorded back in 1993, "The Lost Album" delivers the goods in the form of a dozen honest-to-goodness, previously unheard original Smithereens recordings.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2022

“That’s what you are! Crazy!” “—immense. I’m a real, slam-bang, honest-to-goodness, three-fisted humdinger. I’m a bona fide supraman.”

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

honest-to-goodness

Example Sentences

Related Words