CSS word-break Property Reference
The CSS word-break property is a standard property in CSS Text. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.
Updated 2026-08-12
word-break overview
The CSS word-break property is a standard property in CSS Text. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.
The computed value normally inherits from the parent element when no declaration wins the cascade.
Syntax and formal definition
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Formal syntax | normal | break-all | keep-all | break-word | auto-phrase |
| Initial value | normal |
| Applies to | allElements |
| Inherited | Yes |
| Percentages | no |
| Computed value | asSpecified |
| Animation type | discrete |
| Media | visual |
| Specification group | CSS Text |
| Status | Standard |
Practical examples
These declarations demonstrate valid ways to set word-break. The initial and inherit global keywords remain available even when a property-specific value is preferable.
CSS
.reset-example {
word-break: initial;
}
.inherit-example {
word-break: inherit;
}
@supports (word-break: initial) {
.supported {
word-break: initial;
}
}