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

As more patients started taking the drugs, however, there were a number of anecdotal reports of suicidal ideation, leading to the investigations. —Andrew Joseph, STAT, 12 Apr. 2024

So far, much of the evidence of the success or failure of the new ordinance is anecdotal. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

So far, most of the information on animal reactions to an eclipse is anecdotal, but there are scientific efforts to make systematic observations. —Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 6 Apr. 2024

So far, some anecdotal data has shown promising results for GLP-1 drugs as addiction treatments. —Lev Facher Reprints, STAT, 21 Mar. 2024

Plus, there’s a lot of anecdotal support for this hack: Dr. Baker says many of her patients swear by it, for example. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 20 Mar. 2024

No More Long Hair for Me, Thanks Nails The Gray Nail Trend Is Still Going Strong With Gabrielle Union’s French Manicure By Marci Robin This is anecdotal, however. —Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024

The organization hasn't conducted formal surveys; Roberts said the concerns were anecdotal. —Sahana Jayaraman, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024

That may be purely anecdotal, but nonetheless the stage was set for a truly special Test match. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see anecdote

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing anecdotal

• anecdotal evidence