Why is dictionary function in Word suddenly not working?

Question

I like to use the dictionary function in Word. This is where if you highlight a word in your document, you can then click "Define 'highlighted word'" and a window pops up on the right which will show the definition of the word, etc. Suddenly this is no longer working on either my Word account or my husband's. When I click "Define 'highlighted word'" the window on the right pops up and shows it is loading, but then eventually just says there was an error. I've read numerous threads and tried several possible solutions including making sure my proofing settings are correct, starting Word in safe mode, making sure Word is up-to-date, restarting my computer, tried installing a dictionary add-in and that doesn't work either (says error as well) - nothing works. I tried to contact Microsoft Support and it says a chat window will open but it's just a blank screen. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

I use that feature daily. Please bring it back.

Answer 2

I appreciate the definition of deprecated but it doesn't explain why this useful function should be withdrawn without notice. Aren't we paying for this?

With Microsoft 365 new features come... and go.

Microsoft is fine-tuning things and when someone complains about how a new feature interacts with workflow, the designers may pull it for a bit and try again a bit later. Sometimes, the feature just disappears.

This happens even more often if you have decided to become an unpaid beta-tester by joining the "Insider Program."

Those designers do not see anything you post here. You can, though, use the feedback mechanisms to send them a message (becoming one of those who complain).

This is a user-to-user support forum. -- You can give feedback TO MICROSOFT designers and decision makers on Microsoft Word or other Microsoft Products using their feedback mechanisms, (not here). (This is a link to directions.)

Answer 3

I'm afraid your answer to this problem ('Why is dictionary function suddenly not working in Word?') makes no sense to me. I don't understand what you mean by 'deprecated' in this context. Please clarify, and make it VERY simple for me -- PLEASE, pretend I'm 5.

Clicking the link you provided under your answer to someone else's identical query takes me to a page that shows how it is SUPPOSED to work, but that doesn't help me: My problem is that the function shown is suddenly NOT working in my Word document, and I can't seem to find an answer. Everything I could possibly update is current.

I rely heavily on this function in Word, and it saves me so much time to use it! Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer 4

Then it should be added back, it is amazingly useful to have a dictionary one click away in word and removing it makes word less useful.

Answer 5

This ability has been deprecated. See https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/get-insights-into-what-you-re-working-on-with-smart-lookup-debf2083-5ac0-4739-8667-ae2467bec044?ns=WINWORD&version=90