AI 101

Hybrid search

Also known as: hybrid retrieval

Inference

Hybrid search blends two retrieval methods:

  • Keyword (BM25): great for exact terms, IDs, names.
  • Vector (semantic): great for meaning and paraphrase.

Together they cover each other’s blind spots — a query for an exact product code and a paraphrased question both get good hits.

The robust default: pure vector search misses exact terms; pure keyword search misses paraphrase. Hybrid is usually the best retrieval recipe for real content.