How to permanently delete text substitutions?

How do I permanently delete text substitutions from System Preferences > Keyboard > Text. I have deleted them several times using the (-) key, but they annoyingly reincarnate themselves after a restart.

Solution 1:

I have experienced this myself since OS X 10.10.1 and since iOS 8.1.x. I think it is an iCloud syncing bug. Old deleted entries return. Duplicates get created. I haven't attempted to, but I believe the only solution is to contact Apple support. Or wait for it to hopefully resolve itself.

Solution 2:

Indeed a severe annoyance. I spent a lot of time on the phone to Apple and no solution was achieved, only "wait". I ended up doing a simultaneous reinstallation of OS X 10.10.3 and my iOS 8 devices and this has apparently made them go away. I have since upgraded to OS X 10.11 and iOS 9 and they disappeared for several months. However, they have just come back this AM for no apparent reason on startup.