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

While just above the conventional 0.05 threshold, this result suggests that the erosion of home-field advantage in Super Regionals may be more than anecdotal. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

The New York Fed's survey is the latest in a salvo of data releases and anecdotal reports that have shown companies' willingness to pass down cost increases despite pressure from Trump not to do so. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 June 2025

However, that's more travel myth than truth—something that's stuck around thanks to anecdotal frustration and online hearsay. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025

On top of the six breast cancer diagnoses since 2020, plus another one in 2013, there have been at least three other cases of various cancers in staff at the school, according to anecdotal information provided to Clay County health officials. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 May 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