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

This frustration is not just anecdotal; a small poll conducted by SearchLight Research for Wanda James’ campaign shows that only about 27% of likely Democratic primary voters would support DeGette if the election were held today. —Roger Sherman, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026

There are just a handful of sperm whale birth records from the past 60 years, and all are anecdotal accounts or from whaling boats. —Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026

There are just a handful of sperm whale birth records from the past 60 years, and all are anecdotal accounts or from whaling boats. —ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026

Evidence of these scams is mostly anecdotal, with no hard data on frequency or monetary damages. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 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