How to Censor Words on Discord
You can censor words on Discord using AutoMod, moderation bots, or manual filters. Discord provides both built-in content filtering and supports third-party bots for advanced word censorship.
Method 1: Discord AutoMod (Recommended)
Use Discord's native AutoMod feature:
- Go to Server Settings → AutoMod
- Click "Create Rule"
- Select "Custom Keywords" as trigger type
- Add words you want to filter in "Keywords" field
- Configure actions (delete message, timeout user, send alert)
- Set exempt roles and channels if needed
- Save the AutoMod rule
Method 2: Carl-bot Word Filter
Advanced filtering with Carl-bot:
- Invite Carl-bot to your server
- Visit the Carl-bot dashboard
- Navigate to Automod → Banned words
- Add words to the filter list
- Configure wildcard filters (*word*, word*)
- Set punishment actions and duration
- Enable/disable in specific channels
Method 3: MEE6 Profanity Filter
Using MEE6 for word censoring:
- Add MEE6 to your Discord server
- Access the MEE6 dashboard
- Go to Moderation → Automod
- Enable "Bad words" filter
- Add custom banned words
- Configure violation actions
- Set up exemptions for trusted roles
Method 4: Dyno Bot Filters
Set up Dyno's word filtering:
- Invite Dyno to your server
- Open the Dyno web dashboard
- Navigate to Modules → Automod
- Enable "Automod" module
- Add words to "Banned Words" list
- Configure automatic actions
- Set up logging for violations
Advanced AutoMod Configuration
Pro Tip: Use Discord's "Commonly Flagged Words" preset for instant profanity filtering, then add custom words as needed.
Types of Word Filters
Different filtering approaches:
- Exact Match: Only blocks exact word matches
- Wildcard: Blocks variations (*word*, word*)
- Regex: Advanced pattern matching
- Context-aware: Considers surrounding text
Creating Effective Filter Lists
Building comprehensive word filters:
- Start with common profanity
- Add hate speech and slurs
- Include spam keywords
- Block inappropriate references
- Consider leetspeak variations (@ for a, 3 for e)
Bypass Prevention
Prevent common filter evasion:
- Block variations with spaces (b a d w o r d)
- Filter special characters (b@dw0rd)
- Use partial matching for creative spelling
- Block common substitutions
Setting Up Exempt Roles
Configure role-based exemptions:
- In AutoMod settings, find "Exempt Roles"
- Add moderator and admin roles
- Consider trusted member roles
- Test exemptions thoroughly
Channel-Specific Filtering
Apply different rules to different channels:
- Strict filtering in general chat
- Relaxed rules in off-topic channels
- No filtering in admin channels
- Heavy filtering in newcomer areas
Automated Actions
Configure responses to filtered words:
- Delete Message: Remove the offending message
- Send Alert: Notify moderators
- Timeout User: Temporarily mute the member
- Add Warning: Log strikes against the user
- Send DM: Private message to the user
Logging and Monitoring
Important: Set up a moderation log channel to track filtered messages and review filter effectiveness.
Escalation Procedures
Handle repeat offenders:
- First offense: Delete message + warning
- Second offense: Timeout + moderator alert
- Third offense: Extended timeout
- Continued violations: Kick or ban
False Positive Management
Handle legitimate uses of filtered words:
- Create appeal processes
- Train moderators to review flags
- Use context-aware filtering when possible
- Regularly review and update filters
Customizing Filter Sensitivity
Balance between safety and usability:
- Start with moderate filtering
- Monitor effectiveness over time
- Adjust based on community feedback
- Consider your server's target audience
Multi-Language Support
Filter words in multiple languages:
- Add translations of banned words
- Consider cultural context
- Use language-specific bots if needed
- Engage native speakers for filter lists
Testing Your Filters
Verify filter effectiveness:
- Create a private test channel
- Test various word combinations
- Try common bypass attempts
- Verify exempt roles work correctly
- Check logging functionality
Best Practices
Effective word censoring strategies:
- Regularly update filter lists
- Train moderators on filter management
- Be transparent about rules with members
- Balance automation with human judgment
- Document your filtering decisions