(Legacy) Microsoft Word 2007: Adding a Dictionary

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Note: This article is based on legacy software.

A custom dictionary contains words that are not in the main Office dictionary. You can either create a new dictionary or modify the main dictionary. Custom dictionaries created in Word are shared with the other Office programs. This document contains instructions for creating and editing a custom dictionary using Word.

Creating and Selecting a Custom Dictionary

  1. From the OFFICE BUTTON the office button, click WORD OPTIONS word options button
    The Word Options dialog box appears.

  2. From the Categories list, select Proofing
    The Proofing options appear. 
    proofing options

  3. In the When correcting spelling in Microsoft Office programs, click CUSTOM DICTIONARIES... 
    The Custom Dictionaries dialog box appears.
    custom dictionaries

  4. Click NEW...
    The Create Custom Dictionary dialog box appears. 
    create custom dictionary dialog box

  5. In the File name text box, type a name for the custom dictionary

  6. Click SAVE

  7. In the Custom Dictionaries dialog box, under the Dictionary List, select the newly created custom dictionary
    NOTE: The new custom dictionary is selected if a checkmark appears in the box before it.

  8. Click OK

  9. From Proofing options, in the When correcting spelling in Microsoft Office programs section, deselect Suggest from main dictionary only
    NOTE: This option is deselected when no checkmark appears in the box before it.

  10. Click OK

Editing a Custom Dictionary

You may add or delete words in a custom dictionary. To change the spelling of a word you must delete it and reenter it with the correct spelling.

Editing a Custom Dictionary: Adding a Word

  1. From the OFFICE BUTTON office button, click WORD OPTIONS word options button
    The Word Options dialog box appears.

  2. From the Categories list, select Proofing
    The Proofing options appear. 
    proofing options

  3. In the When correcting spelling in Microsoft Office programs, click CUSTOM DICTIONARIES...
    The Custom Dictionaries dialog box appears.
    custom dictionaries

  4. Select the dictionary you want to edit
    NOTE: The dictionary is selected if there is a checkmark in the box before it.

  5. Click EDIT WORD LIST... 
    The "dictionary name.dic" dialog box appears.
    dictionary name.dic

  6. In the Word(s) text box, type the word you want to add

  7. Click ADD 
    The word appears in the Dictionary list.

  8. Click OK until all dialog boxes are closed

Editing a Custom Dictionary: Deleting a Word

  1. From the OFFICE BUTTON office button, click WORD OPTIONS word options button
    The Word Options dialog box appears.

  2. From the Categories list, select Proofing 
    The Proofing options appear. 
    proofing options

  3. In the When correcting spelling in Microsoft Office programs, click CUSTOM DICTIONARIES...
    The Custom Dictionaries dialog box appears.
    custom dictionaries

  4. Select the dictionary you want to edit
    NOTE: The dictionary is selected if there is a checkmark in the box before it.

  5. Click EDIT WORD LIST... 
    The "dictionary name.dic" dialog box appears.
    dictionary name.dic with delete highlighted

  6. From the Dictionary scroll box, select the word you want to delete

  7. Click DELETE

  8. Click OK until all dialog boxes are closed