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Add names and technical terms to the dictionary

Applies to: Windows, macOS, Linux

The dictionary sets how Stenowise writes names, technical terms and abbreviations. Its entries apply to every dictation in every app.

Add an entry

1. Open Dictionary in the sidebar.
2. Type the word in the “Word or spoken form” field.
3. For a replacement, also type what should appear in the text in the “written as, optional” field.
4. Click Add.

To edit or delete an entry, move the pointer over it and choose Edit or Delete.

Word or replacement

• Word (first field only): Stenowise gives the word to recognition as a hint and pulls similar-sounding mishearings to this spelling. The word appears in the text exactly as you entered it, including upper and lower case.
• Replacement (both fields): Stenowise replaces the spoken form with the written one, for example “aka” with “acceptance criterion”. Upper and lower case in the spoken form make no difference. The written form appears in the text exactly as you entered it.

As a rule of thumb, if a word is only misheard, add it as a word. If you deliberately say something other than what should appear in the text, create a replacement. An entry can contain several words.

Order during dictation

Stenowise applies snippets first, then replacements, then your words and finally text cleanup. Replacements also apply without text cleanup and with recognition on the device. The dictionary is stored on the device and works without a connection.

Limits

• Each field of an entry holds up to 80 characters. Longer input shows “A word can be at most 80 characters long.”
• A dictionary holds up to 5,000 entries of each kind: 5,000 words, 5,000 replacements and 5,000 snippets. With “On every device” syncing, the limit of 5,000 applies to all entries together.
• Stenowise does not accept duplicate entries. You then see a message such as ““Tannhorst” is already in the dictionary.”

Last updated 28 September 2026