Anecdote Synonyms | Uses & Example Sentences

Anecdote is a noun that means “a short and interesting story.” Anecdotes are most often about a real person or event—or claim to be—and are used to make a point or entertain.

Some synonyms for anecdote are:

  • Story
  • Tale
  • Account
  • Narrative
  • Episode
  • Incident
  • Reminiscence
  • Yarn

Anecdote synonyms

Some synonyms for anecdote are more precise than others. “Story,” for example, is a good general substitute for anecdote. “Yarn,” on the other hand, refers to “a long and rambling story that is often exaggerated” and is therefore a less accurate synonym.

QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you choose good synonyms for anecdote to use in your writing.

Anecdote synonyms
Match Synonym Anecdote example Synonym example
Strongest Story She loves sharing anecdotes from when she was traveling. She loves sharing stories from when she was traveling.
Tale Lisa told us an amusing anecdote about the last time she went to the theater. Lisa told us an amusing tale about the last time she went to the theater.
Account Anthony regaled us with an amusing anecdote about changing a tire in rural Portugal. Anthony regaled us with an amusing account about changing a tire in rural Portugal.
Strong Narrative The speaker’s anecdote hooked the audience. The speaker’s narrative hooked the audience.
Episode This is just one anecdote of many in the comedian’s set. This is just one episode of many in the comedian’s set.
Incident It’s not the first time I’ve heard him talk about his Boston anecdote. It’s not the first time I’ve heard him talk about his Boston incident.
Weak Reminiscence Sarai’s anecdote about meeting the Dalai Lama captivated the group. Sarai’s reminiscence about meeting the Dalai Lama captivated the group.
Yarn The fisherman told us anecdotes about his time at sea. The fisherman told us yarns about his time at sea.
Note
Although anecdotes may be told as if they’re true, they are often difficult to verify or prove.

The word anecdote can carry a negative connotation related to this lack of evidence (e.g., “That’s just an anecdote and is likely biased”).

Frequently asked questions about anecdote synonyms

What’s an antonym for anecdote?

Some antonyms for anecdote are:

  • Fact
  • Data
  • Study
  • Research
  • Empirical evidence

QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can make sure you use these antonyms for “anecdote” correctly in your writing.

How do you use anecdote in a sentence?

Anecdote is a noun, so when you use it in a sentence, it must fulfill one of the grammatical roles that a noun can fit (e.g., subject, direct object, indirect object, etc.).

Here are a few examples of how to use “anecdote” in a sentence:

  • His anecdote was really funny, and everyone was laughing.
  • I don’t believe that anecdote about her childhood.
  • Martin seems to be very proud of those anecdotes.

QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can make sure you use “anecdote” correctly in a sentence.

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Kate Santoro, BS

Kate has a BS in journalism. She has taught English as a second language in Spain to students of all ages for a decade. She also has experience in content management and marketing.