How to add a word to the custom dictionary in Outlook

Question

How to add a word to the custom dictionary in Outlook

NF2354 0

Hello,

I am using the Outlook 365 desktop software (not the web version). It is constantly trying to autocorrect some abbreviations that we use all the time in my work. I can NOT get it to stop. I can't add the 'incorrect' version to my dictionary by right clicking, because it autocorrects it immediately and there is no option to stop it. I went into Editor settings and turned off "Enable Auto Correct," it still changes it. I've added the word to my 'personal dictionary,' it still changes it. I turned off spelling corrections, it still changes it. I was trying to add it to the custom dictionary, but there seems to be no way to access it. Everything online says "File > Options > Mail" well...there's no Options under file. The incorrect 'edited' version got saved into a custom dictionary...somewhere...and I can't remove it because there's no way to get to this dictionary! It's so incredibly frustrating that I can't just right click and choose "Don't correct." HOW do I find this custom dictionary?

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Answer 1

@NF2354 said

[New Outlook for Windows] is constantly trying to autocorrect some abbreviations that we use all the time in my work. I can NOT get it to stop.

Known limitation. There is no way you can fix it. See the Answer by "Hornblower409 Jul 10 2026" and all the Comments at
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5875200/how-do-i-stop-a-certain-word-being-autocorrected-i

Note - There is an incorrect Answer by @Bulldog in this thread that suggest you can fix this problem by adding the word to your Dictionary. But since this is an Autocorrect, and not a Spelling issue, this will have no effect.

Answer 2

Jade Ng 15,045 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Dear NF2354,

I understand how frustrating this behavior can be, especially when Outlook continues to change commonly used work abbreviations despite disabling AutoCorrect and adding the term to your personal dictionary.

Based on the tags you included, it appears that you're using Classic Outlook for Windows. In that version of Outlook, the Custom Dictionaries option is normally available through:

On the File tab, select Options (in the bottom-left corner)
On the Mail tab, select the Spelling and Autocorrect button and choose Proofing.
Select Custom Dictionaries and choose the dictionary to edit. Don't clear the check box.
Select Custom Dictionaries and choose the dictionary to edit.

Untitled

For reference, please refer to: Add or edit words in a spell check dictionary

To help me better understand the issue, could you please provide a screenshot related to the following statement?

"I was trying to add it to the custom dictionary, but there seems to be no way to access it. Everything online says 'File > Options > Mail,' but there's no Options under File. The incorrect edited version appears to have been saved in a custom dictionary somewhere, and I can't find a way to access or remove it."

Also, could you let me know which Outlook version you are currently using?

Welcome to share any updates when you have time if you need further help on this issue.

Thank you very much for your valuable time and your cooperation.

NF2354 0 Reputation points

2026-08-19T16:18:10.37+00:00

Hello: No, I am not using classic outlook. Your system auto-generated tags and none of them that included Outlook had an option OTHER than "Classic Outlook." I am using Microsoft 365 (Windows 11), but the desktop version, NOT on the web.

As you can see, there is no Options choice under the File tab.

I have tried changing the Editor, including disabling autocorrect, disabling Autocapitalization, and adding the acronym with appropriate capitalization to my personal dictionary.

To give an example: if the acronym is CAs it auto corrects it to Cas. Every.Single.Time.
Jade Ng 15,045 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-20T06:30:39.42+00:00
Dear NF2354,

Thank you for the clarification.

At this time, New Outlook for Windows does not provide the same Custom Dictionaries management interface that is available in Classic Outlook.

In this case, you may try the following methods:

Method 1: Add a Word While Typing

Click the underlined word.

Select Add to dictionary.

This adds the word to RoamingCustom.dic.

Method 2: Add or Remove Words Using Microsoft Word

Open Microsoft Word.

Go to File > Options > Proofing.

Select Custom Dictionaries.

Choose RoamingCustom.dic.

Click Edit Word List.

Add or remove words.

Save and close.

New Outlook reads directly from this dictionary file, so any changes made there should be recognized by Outlook as well.

For additional details, please refer to: Custom Dictionary in New Outlook

Disclaimer: This link is shared by community members for your convenience. It points to a third-party site that is not managed or verified by Microsoft. We can’t guarantee the quality, safety, or suitability of any content or software found there. Please review carefully and make sure you understand any potential risks before using it.

I look forward to your update. Thank you very much for your valuable time and your cooperation.
Jade Ng 15,045 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-21T02:18:31.8266667+00:00

Dear NF2354,

I hope this message finds you well!

I just wanted to check in and see if you have any updates or additional information you’d like to share regarding your situation. If there's anything new or if you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Looking forward to your response!
NF2354 0 Reputation points

2026-08-21T16:07:50.5066667+00:00

Hello.

Still didn't work. As I've previously written, I can't add the word with the right click option, since it autocorrects it before I have a chance to click on the uncorrected version. I added both words through Word, they're in the dictionary when I open it, but Outlook STILL autocorrects. I also turned off first two letter capitalization auto correct, in case that was causing issues. STILL autocorrects. This is getting ludicrous at this point.