Examples of full Lucene search syntax (advanced queries)
When constructing queries for Azure AI Search, you can replace the default simple query parser with the more powerful Lucene query parser to formulate specialized and advanced query expressions.
The Lucene parser supports complex query formats, such as field-scoped queries, fuzzy search, infix and suffix wildcard search, proximity search, term boosting, and regular expression search. The extra power comes with more processing requirements so you should expect a slightly longer execution time. In this article, you can step through examples that demonstrate query operations based on full syntax.
Note
Many of the specialized query constructions enabled through the full Lucene query syntax are not text-analyzed, which can be surprising if you expect stemming or lemmatization. Lexical analysis is only performed on complete terms (a term query or phrase query). Query types with incomplete terms (prefix query, wildcard query, regex query, fuzzy query) are added directly to the query tree, bypassing the analysis stage. The only transformation performed on partial query terms is lowercasing.
Hotels sample index
The following queries are based on the hotels-sample-index, which you can create by following the instructions in this quickstart.
Example queries are articulated using the REST API and POST requests. You can paste and run them in a REST client. Or, use the JSON view of Search Explorer in the Azure portal. In JSON view, you can paste in the query examples shown here in this article.
Request headers must have the following values:
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Content-Type | application/json |
| api-key | <your-search-service-api-key>, either query or admin key |
URI parameters must include your search service endpoint with the index name, docs collections, search command, and API version, similar to the following example:
https://{{service-name}}.search.windows.net/indexes/hotels-sample-index/docs/search?api-version=2024-07-01
The request body should be formed as valid JSON:
{
"search": "*",
"queryType": "full",
"select": "HotelId, HotelName, Category, Tags, Description",
"count": true
}
searchset to * is an unspecified query, equivalent to null or empty search. It's not especially useful, but it's the simplest search you can do, and it shows all retrievable fields in the index, with all values.queryTypeset to full invokes the full Lucene query parser and it's required for this syntax.selectset to a comma-delimited list of fields is used for search result composition, including only those fields that are useful in the context of search results.countreturns the number of documents matching the search criteria. On an empty search string, the count is all documents in the index (50 in the hotels-sample-index).
Example 1: Fielded search
Fielded search scopes individual, embedded search expressions to a specific field. This example searches for hotel names with the term hotel in them, but not motel. You can specify multiple fields using AND.
When you use this query syntax, you can omit the searchFields parameter when the fields you want to query are in the search expression itself. If you include searchFields with fielded search, the fieldName:searchExpression always takes precedence over searchFields.
POST /indexes/hotel-samples-index/docs/search?api-version=2024-07-01
{
"search": "HotelName:(hotel NOT motel) AND Category:'Boutique'",
"queryType": "full",
"select": "HotelName, Category",
"count": true
}
The response for this query should look similar to the following example, filtered on Boutique, returning hotels that include hotel in the name, while excluding results that include motel in the name.
{
"@odata.count": 5,
"value": [
{
"@search.score": 2.2289815,
"HotelName": "Stay-Kay City Hotel",
"Category": "Boutique"
},
{
"@search.score": 1.3862944,
"HotelName": "City Skyline Antiquity Hotel",
"Category": "Boutique"
},
{
"@search.score": 1.355046,
"HotelName": "Old Century Hotel",
"Category": "Boutique"
},
{
"@search.score": 1.355046,
"HotelName": "Sublime Palace Hotel",
"Category": "Boutique"
},
{
"@search.score": 1.355046,
"HotelName": "Red Tide Hotel",
"Category": "Boutique"
}
]
}
The search expression can be a single term or a phrase, or a more complex expression in parentheses, optionally with Boolean operators. Some examples include the following:
HotelName:(hotel NOT motel)Address/StateProvince:("WA" OR "CA")Tags:("free wifi" NOT "free parking") AND "coffee in lobby"
Be sure to put a phrase within quotation marks if you want both strings to be evaluated as a single entity, as in this case searching for two distinct locations in the Address/StateProvince field. Depending on the client, you might need to escape (\) the quotation marks.
The field specified in fieldName:searchExpression must be a searchable field. To learn how field definitions are attributed, see Create Index (REST API).
Example 2: Fuzzy search
Fuzzy search matches on terms that are similar, including misspelled words. To do a fuzzy search, append the tilde ~ symbol at the end of a single word with an optional parameter, a value between 0 and 2, that specifies the edit distance. For example, blue~ or blue~1 would return blue, blues, and glue.
POST /indexes/hotel-samples-index/docs/search?api-version=2024-07-01
{
"search": "Tags:conserge~",
"queryType": "full",
"select": "HotelName, Category, Tags",
"searchFields": "HotelName, Category, Tags",
"count": true
}
The response for this query resolves to concierge in the matching documents, trimmed for brevity:
{
"@odata.count": 9,
"value": [
{
"@search.score": 1.4947624,
"HotelName": "Twin Vortex Hotel",
"Category": "Luxury",
"Tags": [
"bar",
"restaurant",
"concierge"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 1.1685618,
"HotelName": "Stay-Kay City Hotel",
"Category": "Boutique",
"Tags": [
"view",
"air conditioning",
"concierge"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 1.1465473,
"HotelName": "Old Century Hotel",
"Category": "Boutique",
"Tags": [
"pool",
"free wifi",
"concierge"
]
},
. . .
]
}
Phrases aren't supported directly but you can specify a fuzzy match on each term of a multi-part phrase, such as search=Tags:landy~ AND sevic~. This query expression finds 15 matches on laundry service.
Note
Fuzzy queries are not analyzed. Query types with incomplete terms (prefix query, wildcard query, regex query, fuzzy query) are added directly to the query tree, bypassing the analysis stage. The only transformation performed on partial query terms is lower casing.
Example 3: Proximity search
Proximity search finds terms that are near each other in a document. Insert a tilde ~ symbol at the end of a phrase followed by the number of words that create the proximity boundary.
This query searches for the terms hotel and airport within five words of each other in a document. The quotation marks are escaped (\") to preserve the phrase:
POST /indexes/hotel-samples-index/docs/search?api-version=2024-07-01
{
"search": "Description: \"hotel airport\"~5",
"queryType": "full",
"select": "HotelName, Description",
"searchFields": "HotelName, Description",
"count": true
}
The response for this query should look similar to the following example:
{
"@odata.count": 1,
"value": [
{
"@search.score": 0.69167054,
"HotelName": "Trails End Motel",
"Description": "Only 8 miles from Downtown. On-site bar/restaurant, Free hot breakfast buffet, Free wireless internet, All non-smoking hotel. Only 15 miles from airport."
}
]
}
Example 4: Term boosting
Term boosting refers to ranking a document higher if it contains the boosted term, relative to documents that don't contain the term. To boost a term, use the caret, ^, symbol with a boost factor (a number) at the end of the term you're searching. The boost factor default is 1, and although it must be positive, it can be less than 1 (for example, 0.2). Term boosting differs from scoring profiles in that scoring profiles boost certain fields, rather than specific terms.
In this before query, search for beach access and notice that there are six documents that match on one or both terms.
POST /indexes/hotel-samples-index/docs/search?api-version=2024-07-01
{
"search": "beach access",
"queryType": "full",
"select": "HotelName, Description, Tags",
"searchFields": "HotelName, Description, Tags",
"count": true
}
In fact, only two documents match on access. The first instance is in second position, even though the document is missing the term beach.
{
"@odata.count": 6,
"value": [
{
"@search.score": 1.068669,
"HotelName": "Johnson's Family Resort",
"Description": "Family oriented resort located in the heart of the northland. Operated since 1962 by the Smith family, we have grown into one of the largest family resorts in the state. The home of excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing with 10 small cabins, we're a home not only to fishermen but their families as well. Rebuilt in the early 2000's, all of our cabins have all the comforts of home. Sporting a huge **beach** with multiple water toys for those sunny summer days and a Lodge full of games for when you just can't swim anymore, there's always something for the family to do. A full marina offers watercraft rentals, boat launch, powered dock slips, canoes (free to use), & fish cleaning facility. Rent pontoons, 14' fishing boats, 16' fishing rigs or jet ski's for a fun day or week on the water. Pets are accepted in the lakeside cottages.",
"Tags": [
"24-hour front desk service",
"pool",
"coffee in lobby"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 1.0162708,
"HotelName": "Campus Commander Hotel",
"Description": "Easy **access** to campus and steps away from the best shopping corridor in the city. From meetings in town or gameday, enjoy our prime location between the union and proximity to the university stadium.",
"Tags": [
"free parking",
"coffee in lobby",
"24-hour front desk service"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 0.9050383,
"HotelName": "Lakeside B & B",
"Description": "Nature is Home on the **beach**. Explore the shore by day, and then come home to our shared living space to relax around a stone fireplace, sip something warm, and explore the library by night. Save up to 30 percent. Valid Now through the end of the year. Restrictions and blackouts may apply.",
"Tags": [
"laundry service",
"concierge",
"free parking"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 0.8955848,
"HotelName": "Windy Ocean Motel",
"Description": "Oceanfront hotel overlooking the **beach** features rooms with a private balcony and 2 indoor and outdoor pools. Inspired by the natural beauty of the island, each room includes an original painting of local scenes by the owner. Rooms include a mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and flatscreen TV. Various shops and art entertainment are on the boardwalk, just steps away.",
"Tags": [
"pool",
"air conditioning",
"bar"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 0.83636594,
"HotelName": "Happy Lake Resort & Restaurant",
"Description": "The largest year-round resort in the area offering more of everything for your vacation – at the best value! What can you enjoy while at the resort, aside from the mile-long sandy **beaches** of the lake? Check out our activities sure to excite both young and young-at-heart guests. We have it all, including being named “Property of the Year” and a “Top Ten Resort” by top publications.",
"Tags": [
"pool",
"bar",
"restaurant"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 0.7808502,
"HotelName": "Swirling Currents Hotel",
"Description": "Spacious rooms, glamorous suites and residences, rooftop pool, walking **access** to shopping, dining, entertainment and the city center. Each room comes equipped with a microwave, a coffee maker and a minifridge. In-room entertainment includes complimentary W-Fi and flat-screen TVs. ",
"Tags": [
"air conditioning",
"laundry service",
"24-hour front desk service"
]
}
]
}
In the after query, repeat the search, this time boosting results with the term beach over the term access. A human readable version of the query is search=Description:beach^2 access. Depending on your client, you might need to express ^2 as %5E2.
POST /indexes/hotel-samples-index/docs/search?api-version=2024-07-01
{
"search": "Description:beach^2 access",
"queryType": "full",
"select": "HotelName, Description, Tags",
"searchFields": "HotelName, Description, Tags",
"count": true
}
After you boost the term beach, the match on Campus Commander Hotel moves down to fifth place.
{
"@odata.count": 6,
"value": [
{
"@search.score": 2.137338,
"HotelName": "Johnson's Family Resort",
"Description": "Family oriented resort located in the heart of the northland. Operated since 1962 by the Smith family, we have grown into one of the largest family resorts in the state. The home of excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing with 10 small cabins, we're a home not only to fishermen but their families as well. Rebuilt in the early 2000's, all of our cabins have all the comforts of home. Sporting a huge beach with multiple water toys for those sunny summer days and a Lodge full of games for when you just can't swim anymore, there's always something for the family to do. A full marina offers watercraft rentals, boat launch, powered dock slips, canoes (free to use), & fish cleaning facility. Rent pontoons, 14' fishing boats, 16' fishing rigs or jet ski's for a fun day or week on the water. Pets are accepted in the lakeside cottages.",
"Tags": [
"24-hour front desk service",
"pool",
"coffee in lobby"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 1.8100766,
"HotelName": "Lakeside B & B",
"Description": "Nature is Home on the beach. Explore the shore by day, and then come home to our shared living space to relax around a stone fireplace, sip something warm, and explore the library by night. Save up to 30 percent. Valid Now through the end of the year. Restrictions and blackouts may apply.",
"Tags": [
"laundry service",
"concierge",
"free parking"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 1.7911696,
"HotelName": "Windy Ocean Motel",
"Description": "Oceanfront hotel overlooking the beach features rooms with a private balcony and 2 indoor and outdoor pools. Inspired by the natural beauty of the island, each room includes an original painting of local scenes by the owner. Rooms include a mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and flatscreen TV. Various shops and art entertainment are on the boardwalk, just steps away.",
"Tags": [
"pool",
"air conditioning",
"bar"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 1.6727319,
"HotelName": "Happy Lake Resort & Restaurant",
"Description": "The largest year-round resort in the area offering more of everything for your vacation – at the best value! What can you enjoy while at the resort, aside from the mile-long sandy beaches of the lake? Check out our activities sure to excite both young and young-at-heart guests. We have it all, including being named “Property of the Year” and a “Top Ten Resort” by top publications.",
"Tags": [
"pool",
"bar",
"restaurant"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 1.0162708,
"HotelName": "Campus Commander Hotel",
"Description": "Easy access to campus and steps away from the best shopping corridor in the city. From meetings in town or gameday, enjoy our prime location between the union and proximity to the university stadium.",
"Tags": [
"free parking",
"coffee in lobby",
"24-hour front desk service"
]
},
{
"@search.score": 0.7808502,
"HotelName": "Swirling Currents Hotel",
"Description": "Spacious rooms, glamorous suites and residences, rooftop pool, walking access to shopping, dining, entertainment and the city center. Each room comes equipped with a microwave, a coffee maker and a minifridge. In-room entertainment includes complimentary W-Fi and flat-screen TVs. ",
"Tags": [
"air conditioning",
"laundry service",
"24-hour front desk service"
]
}
]
}
Example 5: Regex
A regular expression search finds a match based on the contents between forward slashes / and lower-case strings, as documented in the RegExp class.
POST /indexes/hotel-samples-index/docs/search?api-version=2024-07-01
{
"search": "HotelName:/(Mo|Ho)tel/",
"queryType": "full",
"select": "HotelName",
"count": true
}
The response for this query should look similar to the following example (trimmed for brevity):
{
"@odata.count": 25,
"value": [
{
"@search.score": 1,
"HotelName": "Country Residence Hotel"
},
{
"@search.score": 1,
"HotelName": "Downtown Mix Hotel"
},
{
"@search.score": 1,
"HotelName": "Gastronomic Landscape Hotel"
},
. . .
{
"@search.score": 1,
"HotelName": "Trails End Motel"
},
{
"@search.score": 1,
"HotelName": "Nordick's Valley Motel"
},
{
"@search.score": 1,
"HotelName": "King's Cellar Hotel"
}
]
}
Note
Regex queries are not analyzed. The only transformation performed on partial query terms is lower casing.
Example 6: Wildcard search
You can use generally recognized syntax for multiple (*) or single (?) character wildcard searches. The Lucene query parser supports the use of these symbols with a single term, and not a phrase.
In this query, search for hotel names that contain the prefix sc. You can't use a * or ? symbol as the first character of a search.
POST /indexes/hotel-samples-index/docs/search?api-version=2024-07-01
{
"search": "HotelName:sc*",
"queryType": "full",
"select": "HotelName",
"count": true
}
The response for this query should look similar to the following example:
{
"@odata.count": 1,
"value": [
{
"@search.score": 1,
"HotelName": "Waterfront Scottish Inn"
}
]
}
Note
Wildcard queries are not analyzed. The only transformation performed on partial query terms is lower casing.
Related content
Try specifying queries in code. The following link covers how to set up search queries using the Azure SDKs.
More syntax reference, query architecture, and examples can be found in the following articles: