anecdotal evidence
noun
: evidence in the form of stories that people tell about what has happened to them
His conclusions are not supported by data; they are based only on anecdotal evidence.
Examples of anecdotal evidence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That anecdotal evidence tracks with data collected by Common Sense Media, finding that 53% of American kids have access to smartphones by age 11.2
What Parents Can Do If Their Kids Already Have Phones?
—
Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 July 2025
Because of that, runner’s face continues to be a myth, only backed by anecdotal evidence.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025
The mental health impact of generative AI is difficult to quantify in part because it is used so privately, but anecdotal evidence is growing to suggest a broader cost that deserves more attention from both lawmakers and tech companies who design the underlying models.
—Parmy Olson, Twin Cities, 23 July 2025
Talk to any high-school teacher and anecdotal evidence of a phone-beholden generation abounds.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for anecdotal evidence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 July 2025
Because of that, runner’s face continues to be a myth, only backed by anecdotal evidence.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025
The mental health impact of generative AI is difficult to quantify in part because it is used so privately, but anecdotal evidence is growing to suggest a broader cost that deserves more attention from both lawmakers and tech companies who design the underlying models.
—Parmy Olson, Twin Cities, 23 July 2025
Talk to any high-school teacher and anecdotal evidence of a phone-beholden generation abounds.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for anecdotal evidence
Cite this Entry
“Anecdotal evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotal%20evidence. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share