anecdotal

adjective

an·​ec·​dot·​al ˌa-nik-ˈdō-tᵊl How to pronounce anecdotal (audio)
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 How to pronounce anecdotal (audio)
adverb

Examples of anecdotal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 2017 Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine findings on pink noise opened a path beyond anecdotal use. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 That kind of anecdotal genre fatigue doesn’t establish an industry surplus — but the sentiment does suggest that even devoted horror fans sometimes need help pacing themselves. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 Emerging demand was largely invisible, detectable only through anecdotal experience or intuition. — Adam Feiner, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 But anecdotal cases, even with compelling videos, don't prove the cameras caused a citywide plunge in break-ins. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anecdotal

Word History

Etymology

see anecdote

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of anecdotal was in 1715

Phrases Containing anecdotal

Rhymes for anecdotal

See All Rhymes for anecdotal

Browse Nearby Words

anecdotage
anecdotal
anecdotal evidence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anecdotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotal. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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