Microsoft Phases Out Word’s Smart Lookup for AI Integration

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of the Smart Lookup feature in Word, pushing users towards its AI-powered Copilot for enhanced functionality.

Well, it looks like Microsoft’s Smart Lookup in Word is bowing out after a good run since 2016. You know, that handy little feature that’d pop up with definitions, synonyms, and links without making you leave your document? Gone. Now, if you try to use it, you’ll just stare at an empty panel or get hit with error messages—talk about a digital ghost town. And yeah, the option still shows up when you right-click, but it’s like a vending machine that takes your money and gives you nothing. This isn’t Microsoft’s first rodeo with retiring older tools (RIP Paint 3D and WordPad), all to make room for shiny new tech like Copilot. While Microsoft hasn’t come out and said ‘Copilot is taking Smart Lookup’s job,’ the writing’s on the wall—Copilot’s already in Word, doing everything from definitions to writing tips. Plus, they’ve rolled out Copilot Actions, bringing AI agents to Teams and Outlook (for the business folks, at least).