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    GlossarySemantic Search
    Glossary · AI

    What is Semantic Search?

    Definition

    Semantic Search is the practice of searching by meaning rather than exact keywords. Instead of matching keywords, Semantic Search understands intent and returns results based on relevance to what the searcher actually seeks. It powers modern search engines and knowledge discovery systems.

    meaning-based searchintent understandingsemantic matchingrelevance rankingknowledge discoverycontextual searchSemantic Search
    In short

    Semantic Search at a glance.

    Searches by meaning, not just keywords
    Understands search intent and context
    Returns more relevant results
    Finds answers even without exact keyword match

    Finding What You Really Want

    Semantic Search understands that users looking for holiday travel advice want information about vacations, even if they don't use that exact word. It delivers relevant results based on meaning rather than keyword matching. Semantic Search significantly improves search quality and reduces frustration from irrelevant results. It's increasingly standard in knowledge bases, search engines, and help systems.

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    Semantic Search — frequently asked

    Keyword search matches words in documents. Semantic Search understands what users seek and returns relevant results even with different wording.

    Occasionally, if semantic interpretation is wrong. Hybrid approaches combine semantic and keyword searching to get best of both.

    Many modern search platforms include semantic capabilities. You can also layer semantic search on existing knowledge bases.

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