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
Examples of anecdotal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Reality Behind The Smile This disconnect between outer success and inner fulfillment isn't just anecdotal.
—
Pavi Theva, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
The film’s few anecdotal elements—as when a squire ritualistically but strenuously dresses Roca, lifting him by the waistband and tightening the fit as if to leave bulls no loose fabric to catch by the horn—cast the bullfighter’s entire existence in the shadow of danger and death.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
The problem is, outside of anecdotal cases, no one has ever been able to find clear evidence that this is actually happening.
—New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025
Alongside this testing, long-term anecdotal experience and recommendations from our test kitchen editors and industry professionals helped to inform our final decision.
—Megan Wahn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anecdotal
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Pavi Theva, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
The film’s few anecdotal elements—as when a squire ritualistically but strenuously dresses Roca, lifting him by the waistband and tightening the fit as if to leave bulls no loose fabric to catch by the horn—cast the bullfighter’s entire existence in the shadow of danger and death.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
The problem is, outside of anecdotal cases, no one has ever been able to find clear evidence that this is actually happening.
—New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025
Alongside this testing, long-term anecdotal experience and recommendations from our test kitchen editors and industry professionals helped to inform our final decision.
—Megan Wahn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anecdotal
Cite this Entry
“Anecdotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotal. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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