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What are synonyms and keywords?

A tool for improving search relevance — it helps customers find products even when they search using different words.

How does it work by default?​

Spefix already has a built-in synonym database that works automatically. The system understands most common substitutes, abbreviations, and colloquial names without any setup on your part.

Manual synonym management is an additional control tool. It lets you extend the database with terms specific to your niche, or words the system doesn't yet handle automatically.

Two levels of control​

Per product or category — synonyms and keywords are tied to a specific product or category. They only affect that item.

Global synonym row — tied not to a product, but to a word. It affects the entire catalog at once.

Example: if you add the product-level synonym "iron" (in the sense of "flatiron") to one specific product — it only works for that product. If you add a global synonym row "iron = flatiron" — it works for every product in the catalog where "iron" appears.

📖 How to add synonyms — both methods →

Synonyms​

Different names for the same product or concept.

Examples:

  • air fryer = multi-cooker
  • laptop = notebook
  • sneakers = trainers

If a customer searches for "air fryer," but your product is named "multi-cooker" — without a synonym, they'll find nothing.

Keywords​

Phrases or words a product should show up for, even though they aren't its direct name.

Examples:

  • Product "Non-stick frying pan" → keyword roast chicken
  • Product "1L thermos" → keyword camping
  • Product "Tactical elbow pads" → keyword elbow protection
info

Keywords are only available at the product or category level — there's no global keywords feature, only global synonyms.

What's the difference between synonyms and keywords?​

Technically — none. Both tools work the same way and affect search results identically.

They're split for convenience: synonyms are direct name substitutes, keywords are associative phrases and usage context.

Where is this configured?​

Per product/category: Search Settings → Relevance

Global synonym row: Search Settings → Synonym Row

tip

Regularly check the Failed Queries section in analytics — it shows which synonyms are worth adding first.