anecdotal

adjective

an·​ec·​dot·​al ˌa-nik-ˈdō-tᵊl 

1

: based on or consisting of reports or observations of usually unscientific observers

anecdotal evidence

health benefits that may be more anecdotal than factual

2

a

: of, relating to, or consisting of anecdotes

an anecdotal biography

b

: given to or skilled in telling anecdotes : anecdotic sense 2

my anecdotal uncle

3

: of, relating to, or being the depiction of a scene suggesting a story

anecdotal details

anecdotally

ˌa-nik-ˈdō-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of anecdotal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Any reduction in tumor size is anecdotal and may be due to a variety of reasons including weight loss. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

Amid anecdotal reports that airport security services have been confiscating bottles of ranch dressing that sports tourists have tried to smuggle out of the country, Kraft Heinz came up with a TSA-friendly size of ranch dressing. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 25 June 2026

Any reduction in tumor size is anecdotal and may be due to a variety of reasons including weight loss. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026

It isn’t known how much remote scouting work is done, but anecdotal information and reporting suggest the Oilers are aggressive in live viewings, and the team’s scouts can be found in hockey buildings every night of the winter. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see anecdote

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing anecdotal

• anecdotal evidence

Rhymes for anecdotal

• hypocotyl
• sacerdotal
• motile
• total
• subtotal