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

Village officials decided to examine the situation after receiving anecdotal reports of increasing incidents. —Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025

All of my evidence is anecdotal, but based on the numbers, thousands of shoppers seem to agree. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025

Though Vuitton declined to provide figures, anecdotal reports suggest many items were snapped up during preorder stages due to strong demand. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025

Some anecdotal reports suggest that having a pint of blood drawn may temporarily increase the number of calories burned to 650 in some instances. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 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