Google search glitches replace definitions with AI Overviews
Users report that queries for words such as "disregard," "stop," and "ignore" now yield blank space and AI-generated summaries instead of direct definitions, highlighting the friction in Google’s strategic pivot.
Google’s search interface is currently malfunctioning, failing to display standard definition snippets for specific terms including "disregard," "stop," and "ignore." Instead of providing direct definitions, the updated AI-focused search experience presents AI Overviews and significant blank space, forcing users to scroll past these elements to access traditional dictionary links. This issue was confirmed by Engadget staff and reported by publications including TechCrunch and MacRumors, highlighting the inconsistencies in the rollout announced at I/O 2026.
The malfunction was identified following the rollout of an updated, AI-focused search experience announced at I/O 2026. Engadget staff successfully replicated the issue using personal Google searches, noting inconsistent behaviour where Incognito Mode sometimes displayed the correct definition snippet and other times failed. Due to user complaints on social media and reporting by publications such as TechCrunch and Macrumors, search results for these terms may also include a collection of links to articles documenting the glitch, appearing before the standard list of links.
Links to online dictionaries remain available but are buried beneath the AI Overview or article grids. It is unclear whether the issue is a widespread bug affecting all users or limited to specific regions or account types, given the inconsistent results observed in Incognito Mode. The timeline for Google to resolve the issue and restore standard definition snippets is unknown, as the company has not yet provided a public statement.
This incident is part of a broader shift in Google’s strategy, moving away from its role as the "ultimate referrer" of web traffic towards providing direct answers via AI. Previous issues with AI Overviews included the recommendation to put glue on pizza, which was widely reported when the feature was first launched. The current malfunction may inadvertently benefit competitors like Merriam-Webster by driving traffic to their websites for accurate definitions.
Engadget has contacted Google for more information about this issue and its attempts to fix it. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the specific failure of definition snippets or the broader implications of the AI-driven search overhaul.
