If Word replaces a word while you type, change its AutoCorrect settings. To stop just one recurring substitution, delete that entry from the AutoCorrect list instead of turning off all replacements. If Word leaves the text alone but underlines it, adjust spelling or proofing settings instead: those marks are not AutoCorrect.
First identify what Word is doing
- Text changes as you type: AutoCorrect is replacing it. Turn off replacements broadly or remove the specific entry.
- Text stays the same but has a colored underline: This is spelling or grammar proofing. Add a valid word to your dictionary, or change proofing settings if you want to suppress checks.
- A suggestion concerns grammar or writing style: Review the relevant category in Editor. You can inspect or ignore suggestions and adjust which types of suggestions Word checks.
For details about proofing and Editor, see Microsoft’s spelling and grammar guidance and Word Editor guidance.
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Stop all automatic replacements
Windows desktop
- Choose File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
- On the AutoCorrect tab, clear Replace text as you type.
Mac desktop
- Choose Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect.
- Clear Replace text as you type.
Word for the web
- Open Review, then use the arrow below Editor.
- Choose AutoCorrect Options and clear Replace text as you type.
Word for the web has fewer AutoCorrect options than desktop Word. Microsoft’s platform steps are in Turn AutoCorrect on or off in Word.
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If a frequently confused word is the only problem, remove its AutoCorrect entry and leave the rest of AutoCorrect enabled. In desktop Word, open AutoCorrect Options, find the typed form in the Replace list, select the entry, and choose Delete. On Mac, use the minus or delete control shown beside the AutoCorrect list.
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AutoCorrect entries are shared with other Office programs that support the feature, so deleting an entry in Word may change behavior in those apps too. Word for the web can use AutoCorrect but does not let you add or remove individual list entries; open the document in desktop Word to edit the list. See Microsoft’s instructions for adding or removing entries.
Fix underlining without changing the text
If Word flags a valid name or term
Add the word to the spelling dictionary so Word recognizes it rather than disabling replacements or spelling checks. Microsoft explains the steps in Add or edit words in a spell check dictionary.
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If you want to suppress proofing in desktop Word
Desktop Word includes spelling and grammar proofing controls, including document-level exceptions. Use the Proofing settings or document exceptions appropriate to whether you want to change checking generally or exempt a particular document.
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Word for the web does not have one global spell-check on/off switch. Select the passage you want to exempt, or press Ctrl+A to select the whole document, then choose Review > Editor > Set Proofing Language and select Don’t check spelling or grammar. To check the text later, remove that setting or run Editor again. Microsoft’s steps are at Turn spell check on or off in Word for the web.
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Choose the narrowest change that solves the problem
| What you want | Change to make | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Stop all automatic text substitutions | Clear Replace text as you type | Stops AutoCorrect replacements broadly. |
| Stop one recurring wrong substitution | Delete that AutoCorrect entry | Leaves other entries intact; may affect other Office apps that share AutoCorrect. |
| Keep a valid name or term from being flagged | Add it to the spelling dictionary | Changes spelling recognition, not text replacement. |
| Suppress proofing in one desktop document | Use document-level proofing exceptions | Exempts that document from checking as configured. |
| Suppress checks in Word for the web | Set selected text or the document to Don’t check spelling or grammar | Applies the web proofing-language workaround to the selected scope. |
Microsoft lists these AutoCorrect instructions for Word for Microsoft 365, Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Word 2024, Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word 2016. Interface labels can vary by build, so if a path differs, check the equivalent AutoCorrect or Proofing setting in your version.
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