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

That means that based on the FSD Tracker numbers, there is absolutely nothing surprising about receiving multiple anecdotal reports of very long perfect drives. —Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Together with anecdotal reports of tool use in cattle from South Asia, the results of the new study hint that the capacity for complex problem-solving behaviors, including tool use, might have ancient evolutionary roots but that such behaviors emerge only when conditions are favorable. —Kate Wong, Scientific American, 19 Jan. 2026

Instead of relying on anecdotal recollection, leadership looks across interactions to understand shifting customer signals to inform product development. —Awaneesh Verma, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026

During questions, Putnam cited anecdotal reports from rural Minnesota, including farmworkers afraid to stop for lunch due to ICE presence. —Noah Fish, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 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