The Distracting Definition Popup
Google Docs features a built-in Dictionary tool. When you select a word and press Ctrl + Shift + Y (or Cmd + Shift + Y on Mac), a sidebar opens on the right side of the screen displaying the word’s definition, pronunciation, and synonyms. This is an excellent tool for writers expanding their vocabulary.
However, because the keyboard shortcut is so close to standard formatting shortcuts (like Ctrl + T or Ctrl + U), it is incredibly easy to accidentally trigger the dictionary. Suddenly, a massive sidebar slides out, shifting your entire document to the left and breaking your concentration. Furthermore, if you accidentally highlight a complex technical term or a proprietary company name, the dictionary will helplessly inform you that the word doesn’t exist. If you find yourself accidentally opening this sidebar and want to prevent it, you can simply close it and rely on external tools.
How to Close and Ignore the Dictionary Tool
While you cannot permanently delete the dictionary feature from the Google Docs codebase, you can easily dismiss it.
- Open your document in Google Docs.
- If the Dictionary panel is currently open on the right side of your screen (displaying definitions or a “No results found” message), look at the very top right corner of that specific panel.
- You will see a small X icon.
- Click the X to close the Dictionary panel.
The sidebar will slide away, returning your document to full width. To prevent it from opening again, simply avoid using the Ctrl + Shift + Y keyboard shortcut. If you need a definition, it is often faster to open a new browser tab and search Google directly rather than using the built-in sidebar.