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

This elusive mammal was spotted resting by the Godavari River, confirming its presence in the area despite previous anecdotal reports. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

Recently, there have also been anecdotal but promising signs of life in the entry-level job market. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025

But the evidence is still anecdotal. —Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025

Research has not found a definitive link between campaign finance disclosure and political violence, though anecdotal cases of harassment exist. —Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 28 Sep. 2025

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