Keywords & Search Intent
Query Expansion
When a search engine broadens a user's query to include related terms and concepts.
CurrentLast updated: 2026-09-16
Back to glossary
Definition
Keywords & Search IntentQuery expansion is when a search engine broadens a user's query to include related terms, synonyms, or concepts to retrieve more relevant results. Understanding query expansion helps SEOs target broader topic coverage rather than just exact-match keywords.
queryexpansionbroadening
Related terms
Let's talk
Your next customer might not click a blue link — they'll ask an AI. Be the answer.
Book a free strategy call and I'll audit your visibility across Google, AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity — then map out exactly what it takes to be found and cited.