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 Limited Scientific Evidence: Although there is anecdotal evidence supporting the benefits of these supplements, there is limited scientific research available to validate their efficacy. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2023 But anecdotal evidence doesn't equate to scientific research. Sarah Garone, Health, 29 Aug. 2023 The scholars ran some focus groups and reported hearing anecdotal evidence to this effect from both employees and managers. Bygleb Tsipursky, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2023 In his letter, Newsom acknowledges the scientific and anecdotal evidence of psychedelics’ potential benefits, and urges further policy discussion. Celia Ford, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2023 While not scientifically backed, there is anecdotal evidence that even something as simple as changing your pillow can help. Mike Richard, Women's Health, 28 Aug. 2023 Academics should study whether properties owned by institutional landlords are more likely to be poorly maintained or have code violations, as anecdotal evidence suggests. Brian Y. An, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2023 While anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits for various conditions such as anxiety or pain management, more robust clinical studies are needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Oct. 2023 There was anecdotal evidence everywhere on social media and the ratings for Sunday night’s game averaged 27 million, with a 53% surge in viewership among teenage girls, per CNN. Abby Gardner, Glamour, 4 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anecdotal evidence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near anecdotal evidence

Cite this Entry

“Anecdotal evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotal%20evidence. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!