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I'm on macOS 14.6.1, MBP M3 Max and the latest version of Word (Apple Mac App Store version 16.87, I believe) and I've not experienced any freezing or other performance issues.
 
Never seen the problem, I use Word/Mac a lot on 14.6.1 currently. I am in the Word Insiders, I am on 16.89, the problem is reported on 16.87.
 
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