You need to apply strikethrough formatting to several words at once in a Word document, but selecting each word individually takes too long. The strikethrough feature in Word uses a single diagonal line through selected text, which is useful for showing deleted content in tracked changes or marking items complete in a checklist. This article shows you three methods to apply strikethrough to multiple words in a single action: using the Ribbon button, the Font dialog box, and a keyboard shortcut that works across any selection length.
Key Takeaways: How to Apply Strikethrough to Multiple Words at Once
- Home > Font > Strikethrough (abc icon): Select multiple words first, then click this button to apply strikethrough to the entire selection.
- Ctrl + D (Font dialog) > Strikethrough checkbox: Opens the Font dialog where you can apply strikethrough and other formatting to any selected text range.
- Alt + H + 4 (keyboard shortcut): A fast ribbon shortcut that toggles strikethrough on the current selection without using the mouse.
Understanding Strikethrough in Word: How It Works and What You Need
Strikethrough is a character formatting option that draws a horizontal line through the middle of selected text. Word treats strikethrough as a font property, meaning it applies to any contiguous or non-contiguous text selection you make before applying the format. The feature is located under the Home tab in the Font group. No special add-ins or permissions are required to use it. Strikethrough works on any text in a document, including headings, body text, table cells, and text boxes. You can also combine it with other formatting like bold, italic, or color.
Steps to Apply Strikethrough Across Multiple Words
The following methods work in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word 2016 on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Method 1: Using the Strikethrough Button on the Ribbon
- Select the target words
Click and drag your mouse across all the words you want to strikethrough. For non-contiguous selections, hold the Ctrl key and click each word or phrase. - Open the Home tab
If the Home tab is not already active, click it in the ribbon at the top of the Word window. - Click the Strikethrough icon
In the Font group, locate the button with the letters abc and a line through them. Click it once. The selected text now shows a strikethrough line.
Method 2: Using the Font Dialog Box
- Select the text
Highlight the multiple words you want to format. Use Ctrl + click for non-adjacent selections. - Open the Font dialog
Press Ctrl + D on your keyboard. Alternatively, click the small arrow icon at the bottom-right corner of the Font group on the Home tab. - Check the Strikethrough option
In the Font dialog box, under the Font tab, locate the Effects section. Check the box next to Strikethrough. Click OK to apply the formatting to all selected words.
Method 3: Using a Keyboard Shortcut
- Select the words
Use your mouse or keyboard (Shift + arrow keys) to select the text you want to strikethrough. - Press Alt + H + 4
Press these keys in sequence, not simultaneously. Alt activates the ribbon, H opens the Home tab, and 4 toggles the strikethrough button. The selection updates immediately.
Common Issues and Limitations When Applying Strikethrough
Strikethrough Does Not Appear After Clicking the Button
This usually happens when the text is inside a content control or a locked field. Check if the document is protected. Go to Review > Restrict Editing and see if formatting restrictions are enabled. If the document is protected, ask the owner to remove restrictions, or copy the text to a new document where formatting is allowed.
Strikethrough Line Is Not Visible on Certain Fonts or Sizes
Some decorative or script fonts render the strikethrough line too thin or misaligned. Switch to a standard font like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman at a size of 10 points or larger to ensure the line is clearly visible.
Strikethrough Applies to the Whole Paragraph Instead of Selected Words
This occurs when you apply strikethrough at the paragraph level instead of the character level. To fix this, select only the specific words, then reapply the formatting using any of the methods above. Avoid clicking the strikethrough button when no text is selected, as that sets the format for new text you type next.
Cannot Remove Strikethrough From Multiple Words at Once
To remove strikethrough from a selection, use the same method you used to apply it. Select the struck-through words, then click the strikethrough button again, or press Alt + H + 4. The toggle behavior works both ways.
Strikethrough Methods Comparison: Ribbon vs Font Dialog vs Keyboard Shortcut
| Feature | Ribbon Button | Font Dialog (Ctrl + D) | Keyboard Shortcut (Alt + H + 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steps to apply | Select text, click icon | Select text, press Ctrl + D, check box, click OK | Select text, press Alt + H + 4 |
| Speed for single use | Fast | Moderate | Fastest |
| Supports non-contiguous selection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Access to additional font effects | No | Yes (double strikethrough, superscript, subscript) | No |
| Works without mouse | No | Partially | Yes |
Now you can apply strikethrough to multiple words in Word using the Ribbon button, the Font dialog box, or the Alt + H + 4 keyboard shortcut. For repeated use across a document, the keyboard shortcut saves the most time. If you frequently need to review or remove strikethrough formatting, try using the Font dialog to also enable double strikethrough for a stronger visual effect.