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

More so than during the processing tests, the graphics test (and my anecdotal gaming) made the system run quite hot. — Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 19 Sep. 2026

But anecdotal reports hosted by advocacy groups like Indy Rapid Response, as well as photos and video of federal agents at traffic stops, businesses and apartments, revealed a significant uptick in arrests. — Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2026

In 2018, Gallucci was part of a subsequent study that challenged the anecdotal association between consuming energy drinks and studying for longer hours in college. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Statistical risks, anecdotal anxieties What made the discussion delicate was that a parent might be both right and wrong at once. — Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 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