---
title: What is Semantic search? · Aeonav
description: Search that matches on meaning rather than exact keywords, usually via embeddings.
canonical: https://www.aeonav.fivecoder.com/glossary/semantic-search
updated: "2026-09-15"
---

[AI search glossary](http://www.aeonav.fivecoder.com/glossary)

# Semantic search

Search that matches on meaning rather than exact keywords, usually via embeddings.

Semantic search compares the meaning of a query and a document, so a page can match a question even when it shares few of the same words. It is the retrieval style behind most AI answer engines.

So write for the question rather than the keyword. Covering a topic clearly makes you findable across the many ways people phrase the same intent.

## Go deeper

- [Does ranking get you cited by AI?](http://www.aeonav.fivecoder.com/blog/rankings-and-ai-citations)
- [AEO vs SEO](http://www.aeonav.fivecoder.com/blog/aeo-vs-seo)

## Related terms

[Embedding](http://www.aeonav.fivecoder.com/glossary/embedding)[Retrieval-augmented generation](http://www.aeonav.fivecoder.com/glossary/retrieval-augmented-generation)

## See it in your own data

Aeonav is an open-source AI visibility platform. Self-host it for free and track how AI answer engines mention and cite your brand.

[Get started](http://www.aeonav.fivecoder.com/docs/getting-started)[Compare tools](http://www.aeonav.fivecoder.com/ai-visibility-tools)