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 Science and well-funded research companies are following the leads reported in tens of thousands of anecdotal experiences. Robert Johnson, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2024 According to recent reports, all of them anecdotal and many of them on TikTok, off-label use of diabetes drugs including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro for cosmetic weight loss has, in some cases, apparently resulted in unexpected pregnancy. Mary McNamara, The Mercury News, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for anecdotal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anecdotal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near anecdotal

Cite this Entry

“Anecdotal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotal. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on anecdotal

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