How to Stop Google Docs from Automatically Generating Dictionary Definitions

The Intrusive Smart Tooltips

Google Docs is continuously adding “smart” features designed to assist with reading comprehension. One of these features is the automatic dictionary definition tool. By default, if you double-click a word to select it, or right-click a word in your document, Google Docs will often aggressively pop open a small “Dictionary” panel on the right side of the screen, or display a floating tooltip box providing the definition, synonyms, and pronunciation of that word.

While useful for students or those reading complex texts, this feature is highly disruptive for writers and editors. If you are simply double-clicking a word to delete it or replace it, having a dictionary panel suddenly slide onto your screen breaks your focus and clutters your workspace. If you already know what the words you are typing mean, you can disable these automatic definitions.

How to Disable Automatic Dictionary Panels

You can turn off the automatic dictionary tool in the Preferences menu.

1. Open a document in Google Docs.
2. Click on Tools in the top menu bar.
3. Select Preferences from the dropdown list.
4. In the Preferences window, ensure you are on the General tab.
5. Look down the list of checkboxes for the options related to smart suggestions and definitions.
6. Specifically, look for the checkbox labelled Show dictionary definitions (or sometimes grouped under “Show smart chips for definitions”).
7. Click the checkbox to remove the checkmark.
8. Click the blue OK button to save your changes.

From now on, when you double-click a word to highlight it, Google Docs will simply highlight it. The dictionary panel will stay hidden, allowing you to edit your document without unwanted vocabulary lessons.