Synonym rules for search

This is for:

Merchandiser

In the Coveo Merchandising Hub (CMH), merchandisers can create synonym rules to define the relationships between query terms.

Synonym rules are used to expand the scope of a query by including additional, equivalent, or replacement terms with the original query terms. For example, a synonym rule can be created to associate the query term rashguard with the synonyms swimsuit and wetsuit.

Synonym rule for search | Coveo

Synonym rule types

Using the CMH, merchandisers can create three types of synonym rules:

  • One-way synonym: Defines alternative terms for a specific query term, but doesn’t reciprocate the association.

    Example

    A one-way synonym rule can be created to associate the query term laptop with the synonyms notebook and portable computer. This means that when a user searches for laptop, the query will become laptop OR notebook OR portable computer.

    Therefore, the search results will include products that contain any of the term laptop, notebook, or portable computer. Note that in this example, if the term notebook is searched, the search results won’t include items that contain the terms laptop or portable computer.

  • Two-way synonym: Defines multiple search terms that are considered equivalent, creating a reciprocal relationship between them.

    Example

    A two-way synonym rule can be created to associate the query terms laptop, notebook, and portable computer with each other. This means that when a user searches for laptop, the query will become laptop OR notebook OR portable computer.

    Therefore, the search results will include items that contain any of the terms laptop, notebook, or portable computer. The difference with a one-way synonym rule is that if the term notebook or portable computer is searched, the search results will also include products that contain the term laptop.

  • Replace synonym: Defines a term that should be replaced by another term.

    Example

    A replace synonym rule can be created to replace the query term laptop with the term notebook. This means that when a user searches for laptop, the query will become notebook.

Use case examples

Synonym rules can be used to address a variety of use cases. Here are a few examples:

  • Broaden search results: You want to ensure that more products are returned when a user searches for a specific term. For example, a query like phone may not return many results, but by associating it with synonyms like smartphone and mobile, you can ensure that more products are displayed.

  • Correct common spelling mistakes: Common spelling mistakes can be corrected by replacing them with the correct term. For example, your visitors may often misspell one of your product names, resulting in no or few search results. By creating a synonym rule that replaces the misspelled term with the correct one, you can ensure that the correct products are returned.

  • Promote specific products: You want to promote specific products when a user searches for a particular term. For example, when a user searches for Barca Sports, you can add the term kayak to their query, promoting Barca Sports kayaks in the search results.

Prerequisites

Before you create rules in the Coveo Merchandising Hub (CMH):

Create synonym rules

To create synonym rules

  1. In the CMH, access the Search manager.

  2. From the navigation tabs, select synonym rules and then click Create synonym rule.

  3. Under This rule will apply to, define the scope of the rule.

    1. Locale: Select the locale that the synonym rule applies to. By default, a rule applies to all available locales.

  4. Under Choose an action, select the type of synonym rule that you want to create.

  5. Fill in the required fields based on the selected synonym rule type.

  6. Click Next.

  7. Review your rule configuration.

    Tip
    Leading practices

    Use the panel on the right to preview how the rule affects the search results for a given locale.

    The preview is an approximate simulation that won’t cover every scenario encountered in a live environment.

  8. Click Publish now.

The rule now applies.

Modify synonym rules

To modify synonym rules

  1. In the CMH, access the Search manager.

  2. From the navigation tabs, select Synonym rules.

  3. Locate the rule that you want to modify.

  4. Click dots, then click Modify.

  5. You can modify the synonym terms. These are the same fields covered in the rule creation section.

    Important

    You can’t change the scope or type of a synonym rule after its creation.

  6. When you’ve finished editing the rule, click Next.

  7. Click Publish now.

The modified rule now applies.

Delete synonym rules

To delete synonym rules

  1. In the CMH, access the Search manager.

  2. From the navigation tabs, select synonym rules.

  3. Locate the rule that you want to delete.

  4. Click dots, and then click Delete.

  5. Click Delete again to confirm.

The rule is deleted.