diff --git a/docs/linting.md b/docs/linting.md
index 3c65a0a..01453a2 100644
--- a/docs/linting.md
+++ b/docs/linting.md
@@ -38,9 +38,18 @@ for the full list of available rules.
 Spell-checking is configured via [`.cspell.yaml`](https://github.com/demaconsulting/ContinuousCompliance/blob/main/templates/lint/.cspell.yaml) at the repository
 root. Key configuration highlights:
 
-- Includes a project word list of common technical terms (tool names, identifiers) to prevent false positives
+- Includes a project word list of genuine technical terms (tool names, identifiers) to prevent false positives
 - Excludes build artifacts and dependency directories (`node_modules`, `.git`, `bin`, `obj`, `.venv`)
-- The word list should be extended with any project-specific terms as the project grows
+
+#### Word list policy
+
+**Never** add a word to the `.cspell.yaml` word list in order to silence a spell-checking failure.
+Doing so defeats the purpose of spell-checking and reduces the quality of the repository.
+
+- If cspell flags a word that is **misspelled**, fix the spelling in the source file.
+- If cspell flags a word that is a **genuine technical term** (tool name, project identifier, etc.) and is
+  spelled correctly, raise a **proposal** (e.g. open an issue or pull request) explaining why the word
+  should be added. The proposal must be reviewed and approved before the word is added to the list.
 
 ### yamllint
 
diff --git a/templates/lint/.cspell.yaml b/templates/lint/.cspell.yaml
index f07c94b..6a4b160 100644
--- a/templates/lint/.cspell.yaml
+++ b/templates/lint/.cspell.yaml
@@ -5,11 +5,14 @@
 # - Maintain professional documentation and code quality
 # - Catch spelling errors before publication
 # - Support consistent technical terminology usage
+# - Misspelled words should be fixed in the source
+# - NEVER add a misspelled word to the 'words' list
+# - PROPOSE only genuine technical terms/names as needed
 
 version: "0.2"
 language: en
 
-# Project-specific technical terms and tool names (update as needed)
+# Project-specific technical terms and tool names
 words:
   - reqstream
   - reviewmark