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

No studies have provided any certainty backing the movement, and any evidence still seems to be anecdotal. —Don Riddell, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025

Newsweek’s editorial team, led by Senior Editor Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, relied on its experience in the luxury travel, spa and hotel space and personal and anecdotal experience from trusted sources to curate the list. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Programs like the one at the Allegheny County Jail have sprung up in jails and prisons across the country, and the results — though anecdotal — have been beyond positive. —Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 24 Nov. 2025

But these benefits are still largely anecdotal right now. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2025

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