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
Examples of anecdotal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Here's what scientists think is going on During some of the landmark clinical trials of GLP-1 drugs that demonstrated reductions in body weight, researchers heard anecdotal reports from participants about changes in habits.
—
Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Dec. 2024
This could persuade voters who support fair districts to vote against the amendment; there have already been anecdotal reports of voters intending to vote for Issue 1 but getting confused by the ballot language in the voting booth and voting against it instead.
—Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024
But despite anecdotal reports of non-human animals appearing drunk after consuming ripe fruit or sugary substances, there's been very little research into its actual prevalence in the broader kingdom of life.
—New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024
And while there are widespread anecdotal reports about secular Israelis drawing closer to religion after Oct. 7, data has not confirmed a broader trend.
—Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for anecdotal 
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.
Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Dec. 2024
This could persuade voters who support fair districts to vote against the amendment; there have already been anecdotal reports of voters intending to vote for Issue 1 but getting confused by the ballot language in the voting booth and voting against it instead.
—Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024
But despite anecdotal reports of non-human animals appearing drunk after consuming ripe fruit or sugary substances, there's been very little research into its actual prevalence in the broader kingdom of life.
—New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024
And while there are widespread anecdotal reports about secular Israelis drawing closer to religion after Oct. 7, data has not confirmed a broader trend.
—Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for anecdotal
Dictionary Entries Near anecdotal
Cite this Entry
“Anecdotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotal. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share