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
There is a lack of credible research and studies, and only anecdotal evidence (derived from stories people tell).
—
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
While there is anecdotal evidence that suggests dogs display addictive-like behaviors towards their toys, such as whining if a toy is out of reach or playing despite being injured, this study put it to the test.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
South Africa is thought to have a coastal undersea freshwater bonanza, too, and there is at least anecdotal evidence that every continent may have the same.
—Rodrique Ngowi, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
But while the long-term trend in the West suggests young people are increasingly disengaged with mainstream religion, recent surveys and anecdotal evidence point to a rise in interest in Catholicism among Gen Z in the United States and Europe.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 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.
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
While there is anecdotal evidence that suggests dogs display addictive-like behaviors towards their toys, such as whining if a toy is out of reach or playing despite being injured, this study put it to the test.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
South Africa is thought to have a coastal undersea freshwater bonanza, too, and there is at least anecdotal evidence that every continent may have the same.
—Rodrique Ngowi, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
But while the long-term trend in the West suggests young people are increasingly disengaged with mainstream religion, recent surveys and anecdotal evidence point to a rise in interest in Catholicism among Gen Z in the United States and Europe.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 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 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share