Google Bolding On Synonyms For Web Searches

Aug 8, 2011 - 8:35 am 11 by
Filed Under Google

A WebmasterWorld thread reports Google bolding or highlighting words in the search results that are not actual words you searched for. Rather, Google will bold synonyms of the keywords you searched for.

Searching for [leather couches] will return Google bolding words like "sofa" as well. Here is a picture:

Google Bold Synonyms

Honestly, I really didn't think this was new Google behavior but the folks in the WebmasterWorld forum saying it is and sharing other search terms which trigger this.

In fact, searching for [couches] won't result in Google bolding "sofa" but searching for [leather couches] does. Why?

Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: October 23, 2025

Oct 23, 2025 - 10:00 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google: Links, Site Moves & Technical SEO Don't Fix Quality Issues

Oct 23, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google

Google AI Mode Fantasy Sports Updated & ChatGPT GPT-5 Instant Improved

Oct 23, 2025 - 7:41 am
Google Maps

Google Business Profile Performance Report Missing Oct 14 - 16 Call Data

Oct 23, 2025 - 7:31 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Search Console Performance Report Stuck At Sunday October 19

Oct 23, 2025 - 7:21 am
Google Ads

Google Ads (Formerly AdWords) Launched 25 Years Ago

Oct 23, 2025 - 7:11 am
 
Previous Story: Some ISPs Are Hijacking Searches For Profit