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

Although there's limited data to support his claim, Kennedy was likely referring to the rifle clubs and targeting programs that were once popular in American high schools, according to anecdotal reports. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

But the data — anecdotal and otherwise — paints a mixed picture. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025

Meantime, Harding said, anecdotal reports from bird watchers across the state are telling. —Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Misinterpret a flawed trial, overtrust anecdotal experience or trust the wrong person, and patients are left at the mercy of ineffective or even harmful treatments. —Anna Forsythe, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 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