Search

Synonyms

Make products searchable with similar words.
Synonym types, header testing, Enabled and inline Scope with example store names

Synonyms allow you to associate words or phrases so they are considered equivalent.

This is important if you notice in Search Analytics that visitors are searching for products you have but using words not present in your product texts.

Synonyms do not replace results or change their ranking—they simply tell Clerk that one or more words are equivalent when finding results.

Uni-Directional #

Only show results in one direction and are typically used to include a set of products that would otherwise not be shown.

For example, when customers search for “tablets,” they should also see “iPads,” but not the other way around, as “iPads” is more specific.

Bi-Directional #

Show results regardless of which associated word is used. For instance, if customers search for “pants” or “trousers,” they will see the same results because these words mean the same thing.

Configure and test #

Open Search > Synonyms and create or open a synonym. Choose Uni-directional or Bi-directional, then enter the Search term and Synonyms.

Use Check synonym effect in the page header to test it. Change Enabled directly in the form to control whether the synonym applies. Click Save to save changes.

For a saved synonym, open the three-dot menu to find Delete. Disabling a synonym keeps it available for later use.

Phrases #

Synonyms consisting of more than one word are treated as “phrases.” Clerk will only find products that contain that exact set and order of words.

For example, if you create a synonym between “dark blue” and “marine,” only products with the exact color “dark blue” will be included—not products with just “blue.”

Scope #

Each synonym can be configured with a Scope based on where you want it to apply.
In Scope, check the stores where the synonym should apply and uncheck the stores where it should not apply. The store checkboxes are directly in the form.

From the Synonyms overview, you can create and manage synonyms for the current Store using the In This Store page or for multiple stores through the Multiple Stores page for cross-account campaigns.

Shared Synonyms generally only make sense for Stores using the same language.

SEO #

When visitors search a certain way on your website, they often search similarly on Google and other search engines. Adding synonyms in Clerk can quickly address on-site issues, but you should also incorporate these terms into your product texts.

By doing so, search engines like Google can better include your webshop in their results when potential customers search for products you offer.

Use Cases #

Synonyms are not a substitute for high-quality product texts but are useful as temporary fixes that you can later integrate into your product descriptions.

Synonyms work well when you have natural matches between terms:

  • Associating different names, like “sneakers” → “trainers”.
  • Addressing specific multilingual searches, like “smørrebrød” → “open sandwich”.
  • Fixing common word misconceptions, like “baklava” → “balaclava”.
  • Supporting slang, like “cans” → “headphones”.

Avoid #

Synonyms are not recommended for broader issues such as:

  • Adding alternative SKUs to large portions of the catalogue.
  • Translating significant parts of the product catalogue.
  • Fixing major search issues stemming from missing product data.
  • Promoting specific products or brands. Use Merchandising for this.
  • Including or excluding products for searches. Use Rules instead.