Office Settings & Configuration

How to Make Microsoft Word Remember Ignore All for Spell-Check

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to find a way to permanently prevent Microsoft Word from running proofing checks on specific valid terms, as the standard 'Ignore All' command is forgotten between sessions.

How to Make Microsoft Word Remember 'Ignore All' for Spell-Check Terms

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing a document containing specific names, industry jargon, or valid terms that trigger the spell-checker continuously.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word does not reliably remember 'Ignore All' exclusions between sessions and continues flagging the same valid terms as errors upon reopening the document.

Before you start

Before proceeding, determine whether you want to ignore the flagged terms only in the current document or if you want Microsoft Word to recognize them across all future documents.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply a 'No Proofing' Character Style

Since Word forgets 'Ignore All' after you close the document, applying a 'No Proofing' style permanently excludes selected text from spelling and grammar checks in that specific file.

This method is highly effective for document-specific terms, foreign words, or names that you do not want to add to your global custom dictionary. By creating a reusable character style, you can quickly apply it to any text that should be skipped by the spell-checker.

Select the text

Highlight the specific word, name, or phrase in your document that is being flagged by the spell-checker.

Access the Language settings

Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon, click on 'Language' in the Language group, and select 'Set Proofing Language'.

Enable the No Proofing option

In the Language dialog box, check the box that says 'Do not check spelling or grammar', then click 'OK'.

Create a reusable style (Optional)

To apply this easily in the future, go to the 'Home' tab, click the Styles pane launcher, choose 'New Style', set the Style type to 'Character', name it 'No Proofing', and apply the same language setting under Format > Language.

Add to Dictionary: If the term is something you use frequently across multiple documents, right-clicking the word and selecting 'Add to Dictionary' is a faster and more permanent global solution.

Seamless Word Processing

Easily Manage Spell-Check and Custom Dictionaries with WPS Office

If you are frustrated by unreliable spell-check memory, WPS Office provides an intuitive and consistent proofing tool. You can easily add unrecognized but valid terms to your custom dictionary so they are never flagged as errors again, across all your documents.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the terms you want to review.
2. Run Spell Check: Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon and click on the 'Spell Check' icon.
3. Add to Custom Dictionary: When a valid term is flagged by the proofing tool, simply click 'Add to Dictionary' in the prompt pane to permanently prevent it from being marked as an error.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc) formats.Reliable and easy-to-use spell-check and grammar tools.Free to download with a familiar user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word keep highlighting a word after I click Ignore All?

The 'Ignore All' command is temporary and only applies to the active Word session. Once you close and reopen the document, Word resets its spelling cache and will flag the unrecognized word again.

Can I permanently add a word to the spell-check dictionary?

Yes. By right-clicking the flagged word and selecting 'Add to Dictionary', Microsoft Word will save the term to your custom dictionary, preventing it from being flagged in any future documents.

How do I remove a mistakenly added word from my custom dictionary?

Go to File > Options > Proofing, and click on 'Custom Dictionaries'. Select your default dictionary, click 'Edit Word List', find the mistakenly added word, and click 'Delete'.

Is there a way to turn off spell-check for an entire paragraph?

Yes. Select the entire paragraph, go to Review > Language > Set Proofing Language, and check 'Do not check spelling or grammar'.

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