Office Settings & Configuration

Can You Add Definitions to a Microsoft Word Custom Dictionary?

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if it is possible to add custom definitions to words that have been added to the Microsoft Word custom dictionary to help distinguish between similar terms.

Can You Add Definitions to a Microsoft Word Custom Dictionary?

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing custom terminology and trying to differentiate between similar custom words by adding explanatory definitions.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word allows users to add new words to the custom dictionary to avoid spelling errors, but there is no built-in field or feature to attach definitions to these entries.

Before you start

Before proceeding, note that Microsoft Word's custom dictionary feature is designed strictly for spell-checking purposes (to prevent correct custom terms from being flagged as errors), not as a glossary. Ensure your document is open and you are connected to the internet to use Word's built-in reference tools.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Built-in Dictionary and Synonyms

Since custom definitions cannot be added to the dictionary, utilize Word's built-in reference tools to look up meanings and synonyms for existing words.

Microsoft Word's custom dictionary only stores a list of spelling exceptions. It does not have a database structure to store definitions. However, you can utilize the built-in Reference and Synonyms tools to check standard word meanings.

Access the Synonyms feature

Right-click the target word in your document and hover over the 'Synonyms' option in the context menu to see a list of related words.

Open the built-in dictionary

Select the word you want to define and press the 'Alt + Shift + F7' keyboard shortcut simultaneously.

View the definition

The Research pane or Dictionary will open on the right side of your screen, displaying standard definitions, synonyms, and translations based on your language settings.

Glossary Workaround: If you need to maintain custom definitions for specific industry terms, consider creating a dedicated glossary table at the end of your document or managing a separate Excel reference sheet.

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While Microsoft Word limits custom dictionary capabilities for definitions, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for all your word processing needs. With an intuitive interface, you can easily manage your documents, check spelling, and format text seamlessly.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen prompts to set up WPS Office on your computer.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Microsoft Word documents to continue writing and editing with full format compatibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the custom dictionary located in Microsoft Word?

To find your custom dictionary, go to File > Options > Proofing, and click on 'Custom Dictionaries'. From there, you can view, edit, or add new words to your default dictionary file (usually named CUSTOM.DIC).

Can I import a list of words into the Word custom dictionary?

Yes. You can edit the CUSTOM.DIC file directly using Notepad. Add one word per line, ensuring exact spelling and capitalization, and save the file. Word will then recognize these new terms during spell checks.

Why are words I added to the dictionary still showing as misspelled?

This usually happens if the custom dictionary is unchecked in your Proofing settings, or if the language of the added word does not match the proofing language applied to the specific text in your document.

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