![]() | Use wildcard characters to find or replace text |
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You can search for multiple words by using wildcard characters. For example, use the asterisk (*) wildcard character to search for a string of characters. (For example, s*d finds "sad", "started" and "some other day".)
![]() | Use wildcard characters to find text |
On the Edit menu, point to Find, and then click Advanced Find and Replace.
Select the Use wildcards check box.
If you do not see the Use wildcards check box, click .
On the Special pop-up menu, click a wildcard character, and then type any additional text in the Find what box.
Click Find Next.
![]() | Tips |
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![]() | Use wildcard characters to replace text |
You can search for an expression and use the \n wildcard character to replace the search string with the rearranged expression. For example, type (Newman) (Belinda) in the Find what box and \2 \1 in the Replace with box. Word will find "Newman Belinda" and replace it with "Belinda Newman."
On the Edit menu, point to Find, and then click Advanced Find and Replace.
Select the Use wildcards check box.
If you do not see the Use wildcards check box, click .
On the Special pop-up menu, click a wildcard character, and then type any additional text in the Find what box.
Click the Replace tab, and then click the Replace with box.
Click Special, click a wildcard character, and then type any additional text in the Replace with box.
Click Replace All, Replace, or Find.
![]() | Tip When you replace text, it's a good idea to click Replace instead of Replace All. In this manner, you can confirm each replacement to make sure that it is correct. |
![]() | Wildcard characters you can use |
You can refine a search by using any of the following wildcard characters.
To find | Use this | For example |
---|---|---|
Any single character | ? | s?t finds "sat" and "set." |
Any string of characters | * | s*d finds "sad" and "started." |
One of the specified characters | [ ] | w[io]n finds "win" and "won." |
Any single character in this range | [-] | [r-t]ight finds "right" and "sight" and "tight." Ranges must be in ascending order. |
Any single character except the characters inside the brackets | [!] | m[!a]st finds "mist" and "most" but not "mast." |
Any single character except characters in the range inside the brackets | [!x-z] | t[!a-m]ck finds "tock" and "tuck" but not "tack" or "tick." Ranges must be in ascending order. |
Exactly n occurrences of a character or expression | {n} | fe{2}d finds "feed" but not "fed." |
At least n occurrences of a character or expression | {n,} | fe{1,}d finds "fed" and "feed." |
A range of occurrences of a character or expression | {n,n} | 10{1,3} finds "10," "100," and "1000." |
One or more occurrences of a character or expression | @ | lo@t finds "lot" and "loot." |
The beginning of a word | < | <(inter) finds "interesting" and "intercept" but not "splintered." |
The end of a word | > | (in)> finds "in" and "within," but not "interesting." |