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

However, more women than ever before are becoming locksmiths, according to anecdotal information provided by a spokesperson for the locksmith trade organization ALOA Security Professionals Association. — Megan Sauer, CNBC, 18 July 2026

Misleading anecdotal information has never been in short supply online. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Some people report positive cognitive benefits or improvements in physical performance, but these are still largely anecdotal. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 15 July 2026

Previous literature has noted occasional interactions between daddy longlegs and frogs, but accounts have been largely anecdotal. — Jay Kakade july 13, New Atlas, 14 July 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