What is Synonym Expansion?
Synonym expansion maps a query term to related or equivalent terms. For example: sneakers ↔ trainers, TV ↔ television. Engines can expand one-way (couch → sofa) or two-way (sofa ↔ couch).
How It Works (quick)
- Dictionary-based: Predefined synonym sets.
- Rule-based: Category or context-specific expansions.
- ML-based: Learned embeddings that cluster similar terms.
- Scope: Apply at query time or index time.
Why It Matters in E-commerce
- Vocabulary gap: Shopper vs vendor language alignment.
- Seasonality: “Winter coat” ↔ “parka.”
- Conversion: Reduces zero-results caused by wording mismatches.
Best Practices
- Start with manual synonym lists; grow with query log analysis.
- Apply locale-specific synonyms (US sneakers vs UK trainers).
- Monitor precision drift; avoid over-expansion (e.g., dress ↔ skirt).
- Use weighted synonyms or contextual rules for ambiguous terms.
- Regularly audit and prune low-value expansions.
Summary
Synonym expansion closes the gap between user queries and catalog wording. Done carefully, it reduces zero-results and improves findability.
