Using Boolean Search Operators

You can combine search terms with the operators AND, OR, and parentheses to build more precise queries — narrowing results to exactly the combination of terms you care about and cutting down on false positives.

When to use Boolean operators

Use Boolean operators when a single keyword returns too much noise, or when you want results that satisfy more than one condition at once. For example, you might look for companies whose records mention either of two product terms, but only alongside a third.

How it works

There is no separate Boolean mode or builder in the interface — you type the operators directly into the search box as part of your query. Because the syntax is interpreted literally, it helps to know exactly how each operator behaves and where the current limitations are (see Constraints, below).

Supported operators

• AND — returns results that match both terms. Example: Chocolate AND Coffee
• OR — returns results that match either term. Example: Chocolate OR Coffee
• Parentheses — group terms to control how operators combine. Example: (Chocolate OR Coffee) AND Milk

Working with multi-word phrases

Within a Boolean expression, a multi-word phrase must be joined with an asterisk (*) in place of each space. Without the asterisk, the words are read as separate terms and the expression will not return what you expect.

Constraints and caveats

• There is no dedicated Boolean interface — you type operators inline in the search box, so you need to know the syntax to use it.
• Multi-word phrases must use an asterisk (*) in place of spaces. For example, (Chocolate OR Coffee) AND Ice Cream will not work, because "Ice Cream" is read as two separate terms; use Ice*Cream instead.
• Quotation marks are not currently supported for phrase matching — use the asterisk method instead.
• Single-word terms give the most reliable results.