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

But experts say these anecdotal sightings and blurry images aren’t proper evidence to indicate that any aliens have actually visited us. —Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 12 June 2026

Recently, church officials and sociologists alike have pointed to indications that young Spaniards are showing an increasing interest in their spiritual lives, with anecdotal reports of rises in conversions among young adults. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026

But the relationship between narrative and success is not just anecdotal. —Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 2 June 2026

The numbers behind the spend are what make the story instructive rather than anecdotal. —Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 18 May 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