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 adverb

Examples of anecdotal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The only evidence at this point is anecdotal, but conversations with fans, feedback in The Athletic’s surveys and responses to the team’s social media posts promoting season-ticket renewals don’t paint a promising picture. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 The idea that Black physicians have a positive impact on patients is more than anecdotal. Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 13 Feb. 2025 She’s also gotten plenty of anecdotal feedback, like from a Broadway producer who had to give his cat Prozac to keep it calm on road trips. Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 7 Feb. 2025 There have been anecdotal reports that GLP-1 medications may contribute to anorexia by blunting hunger cues for people who’ve developed an unhealthy aversion to food. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anecdotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotal. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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