Guide
Mac text to speech mispronounces words? Add custom pronunciations
Your Mac says a colleague's name, a brand or an acronym wrong every time. You can teach it the right way.
Updated 22 October 2026.
Short answerIn System Settings → Accessibility → Read & Speak (Spoken Content on macOS 14 and 15), turn on Pronunciations, click its (i) button, press +, type the word, then dictate or spell how it should sound and pick the version that's right. Trying a different voice also fixes some words. Aloud has its own pronunciation list that works with every voice it uses, including Kokoro and ElevenLabs/Cartesia voices.
The free built-in fix
- Open Pronunciations. System Settings → Accessibility → Read & Speak (called Spoken Content on macOS 14 and 15) → turn on Pronunciations, then click its (i) button.
- Add a word. Press +, type the word or phrase in Text.
- Set the substitution. Click the microphone and say it, or type a spelling, then pick the version that sounds right and click Done.
- Keep the toggle on. Pronunciations must stay on for your list to apply.
- Try another voice. Different voices handle some words differently.
The better fix: Aloud
If the built-in tools keep getting in your way, Aloud (ours, $19 once per Mac, macOS 14 or later) is made for this:
- A custom pronunciation list in Aloud, so names and jargon sound right in any voice.
- Switch engines: Apple voices, on-device Kokoro, or ElevenLabs/Cartesia with your own key.
- Select text in any app and press Control-Option-S (or right-click → Services → Read with Aloud).
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Questions
How do I make my Mac say a name correctly?
Add it under Pronunciations in Read & Speak (Spoken Content on macOS 14 and 15).
Why does my Mac read acronyms letter by letter?
The voice guesses. Add a pronunciation that spells it the way you want it said.
Do different voices pronounce words differently?
Yes. Switching voices can fix a word without a custom entry.
Does Aloud have a pronunciation list?
Yes, it works with every voice Aloud uses. Aloud is $19 once per Mac, 3-day free trial, no account.
More Mac utilities from the developer: SnapState puts your Mac windows, apps and browser tabs back after sleep or a monitor reconnect. $9.99 one-time.