Office Settings & Configuration

How to Report Incorrect Synonyms in Microsoft Word Thesaurus

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to address an issue where the Microsoft Word thesaurus suggests a synonym they believe is incorrect, specifically offering "good" as a replacement for "wicked."

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using the built-in thesaurus tool to find word alternatives while editing a document.
Observed behavior: The thesaurus displays inappropriate, colloquial, or factually incorrect synonyms for specific words, preventing the user from finding suitable formal alternatives.

Before you start

Before submitting feedback, ensure that your document's proofing language is set correctly, as thesaurus suggestions vary significantly between different regional dialects (e.g., English US vs. English UK).

Solution 1Recommended

Send Feedback Directly to Microsoft Word

Since the thesaurus is a built-in feature that cannot be manually edited by users, the best way to correct inaccurate suggestions is to report the specific word directly to the Microsoft development team.

Microsoft relies on user feedback to refine its proofing tools and remove inappropriate or highly colloquial suggestions from its standard dictionary.

Open Settings

Launch Microsoft Word, tap or click on your profile icon located at the top of the interface, and select 'Settings'.

Access Send Feedback

Scroll down in the settings menu to find the 'Send Feedback' or 'Help & Feedback' option and click on it.

Provide Details

Describe the issue clearly. Be sure to include the original word ('wicked'), the incorrect synonym ('good'), your current document language, and the exact version of Word you are using.

Submit Report

Click 'Submit' or 'Send' to forward your report so Microsoft can investigate and potentially update the thesaurus entry in future software updates.

Review Process: Feedback submissions are reviewed by the development team, but changes to the built-in dictionary will not appear instantly on your device until a future Office update is released.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word suggest 'good' as a synonym for 'wicked'?

In certain regional English dialects and slang, such as British English and New England colloquialisms, 'wicked' is commonly used as an intensifier or a synonym for 'excellent' or 'good' (e.g., 'that was a wicked game'). The default thesaurus often includes these informal usages alongside formal definitions.

Can I manually edit or remove a word from the Word thesaurus?

No, Microsoft Word does not currently allow users to manually edit, add, or remove individual entries in its built-in thesaurus. You can only submit feedback to Microsoft to request a database change.

How do I check which language my thesaurus is using?

Highlight the word in question, go to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon, and click 'Language' > 'Set Proofing Language'. The language selected in this menu dictates which dictionary and thesaurus rules are applied to your text.

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