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

Still, the large numbers are in keeping with anecdotal reports from progressive places such as Chicago and Austin, Texas. —Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

For instance, our platform has a customer insights team tasked with gathering data and anecdotal information from customers on their relationship with our products. —Jeppe Rindom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Even as the Trump administration prepares to ramp up its immigration enforcement nationwide, the focus so far in California has already hurt local economies, research and anecdotal reports suggest. —Terry Collins, USA Today, 31 July 2025

Specifically, the researchers say the AI scheming research suffers from an over-interpretation of anecdotal behavior, a lack of theoretical clarity, an absence of rigorous controls, and a reliance on anthropomorphic language. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 15 July 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