# Synonym Search

A synonym search returns results that are conceptually similar to the terms in the a Query action Text parameter, and also returns results that are conceptually similar to synonyms that are available for the Text terms.

There are several ways to use synonyms in IDOL Server.

The simplest method is to use the `SYNONYM` operator in the Text parameter. In this operator, you specify a list of synonymous words. IDOL Server treats the terms in the operator as individual query terms, separated by Boolean `OR` operators (that is, results can contain any of the listed terms).

For query weighting, IDOL Server scores all the terms in the `SYNONYM` operator as if they were a single term.

For example:

    http://localhost:9000/action=Query&Text=SYNONYM(cat moggy kitten mouser) NEAR sale

You can use quotation marks to define a synonym phrase. For example, `SYNONYM(dog labrador "golden retriever")`.

In addition to the `SYNONYM` operator, you can use the following methods to set up synonym matching in IDOL Server:

- Synonym lists. A synonym list is a simple text file that defines synonyms for a list of terms and phrases. When you configure a synonym list, IDOL Server uses it at index time to mark synonymous terms in the index. At query time, you set the Synonym parameter to `True` to include synonyms in your query.

  This method might be appropriate if you want to match synonyms for a small list of terms (less than 100).

- Query Manipulation Server. The IDOL Query Manipulation Server (QMS) can manage synonym queries, in a similar way to the synonym Content server. You send all your queries to QMS, which manages the synonym replacement, and forwards the queries to your data Content component, transparently.

- Synonym Server. A synonym server is a separate IDOL Content index, in which you index documents that define synonyms. You list the synonymous terms as the document content. For each query term, you send a query to the synonym server to return the list of synonyms, which you can add to the original query term.

NOTE: If you use QMS or a Synonym Server, you can also use the `SYNONYM` operator.

For more information, refer to the IDOL Server Administration Guide.

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