Semantic search

AI & Retrieval
Semantic search
Also: dense retrieval, vector search

Semantic search compares the meaning of your query against the meaning of stored text, using embeddings. Ask 'how do I get my money back' and it can surface a passage about refunds even though the word 'refund' never appears in your question.

It complements keyword search rather than replacing it. Keyword search still wins when the exact term matters, so the strongest setups run both and combine the results.

Where it comes up