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Office for Mac Issues

Fix Word for Mac AutoCorrect Not Fixing Spelling Errors

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know why AutoCorrect is not automatically fixing specific spelling mistakes on macOS Sequoia, despite underlining them.

Product
Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS
macOS Sequoia
Scenario
Typing text where automatic replacement of specific misspelled words is expected.
Observed behavior
Misspelled words are underlined but not automatically corrected by the AutoCorrect feature.
Before you start

Ensure that the correct proofing language is applied to your entire document, as AutoCorrect functions depend on the currently selected language.

Solution 1Recommended

Update AutoCorrect Preferences with Missing Entries

Since AutoCorrect only replaces entries that are explicitly included in its dictionary, you can manually add your recurring typos to the AutoCorrect list.

Word does not automatically correct every misspelling. Instead, it relies on a predefined list of common typos and their replacements. If your specific typo is not on this list, it will only be underlined.

1
Open Word Preferences

Launch Microsoft Word, click on 'Word' in the top macOS menu bar, and select 'Preferences'.

2
Access AutoCorrect Settings

In the Preferences window, locate and click on 'AutoCorrect'.

3
Add New Entries

In the 'Replace text as you type' section, enter your frequently misspelled word in the 'Replace' box and the correct spelling in the 'With' box, then click 'Add'.

Use Microsoft Editor: For broader spelling and grammar suggestions beyond standard AutoCorrect, click the Editor button in the Home ribbon to manually review flagged words.
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If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to struggle with AutoCorrect and performance issues on macOS Sequoia, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with robust spell check and typing assist features.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version.
  2. 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
  3. 3. Start Typing: Launch WPS Writer, open your documents, and enjoy seamless AutoCorrect features out of the box.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsBuilt-in reliable spell checker and customizable AutoCorrectLightweight design optimized for fast performance on macOSFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word underline words but not fix them automatically?

Word's AutoCorrect relies on a specific list of word replacements. If a misspelled word isn't on that list, Word will simply flag it with a red underline to let you manually correct it.

How do I turn on AutoCorrect in Word for Mac?

Go to Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect from the top menu bar, and ensure the box next to 'Replace text as you type' is checked.

Can I import custom dictionaries into Word for Mac?

Yes, you can add custom dictionaries by going to Word > Preferences > Spelling & Grammar, and clicking on 'Dictionaries' to add or modify your word lists.