How to Change the Dictionary in Word

By Greg Lindberg

Change the dictionaries on your Microsoft Word application.
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Microsoft Word is word processing software that allows users to create various types of documents, including user guides, essays, manuals, novels, address labels and flyers. Word also includes many features that help you edit your documents. All versions of Word include a built-in dictionary and spell-check feature. You can change the default dictionary to a new dictionary of another language or add a custom dictionary you've designed yourself.

Microsoft Word 2003

Open Microsoft Word 2003. Click on the "Tools" menu option, then click on "Options."

Click on the "Spelling & Grammar" tab, then click on the "Custom Dictionaries" option. Click on any custom dictionaries you want to change to from the "Dictionary list" box.

Click on the "New" option if you want to create your custom dictionary. Enter a name for your new dictionary in the "File name" box.

Click on the "Save" button. Click on the check box next to the "Suggest from main dictionary only" field so that it's unchecked.

Click on the new dictionary you created from the "Dictionary list" box. Click on the "OK" button to change the dictionary.

Microsoft Word 2007

Open Microsoft Word 2007. Click on the "Microsoft Office" button from the top of the application.

Click on "Word Options" and then click the "Proofing" option. The "Dictionary" dialog box will appear.

Click on the box next to the "Suggest from main dictionary only" field so that it is unchecked. Click on the "Custom Dictionaries" option.

Click on the box next to any custom dictionaries you want to use so that the box is selected. Click on the "Apply" button.

Create a new custom dictionary by clicking on the "New" option and then entering then name for the new dictionary in the "File name" box. Click on the "Save" button and select the new dictionary from the "Dictionary" list.

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