How is semantic routing different from intent classification?

Intent classification assigns a label from a predefined set (e.g., 'billing', 'technical_support', 'sales'). Semantic routing is broader: it uses embedding similarity to match requests to handlers, and can route to handlers that weren't explicitly defined as categories. Semantic routing can also handle fuzzy or overlapping intents more gracefully, and doesn't require retraining when new route targets are added.

Semantic Routing

Written by Max Zeshut

Founder at Agentmelt

A technique where an AI system classifies incoming requests by meaning (not keywords) and routes them to the appropriate handler—a specific agent, model, tool, or workflow. Unlike keyword-based routing that matches exact phrases, semantic routing uses embeddings to understand intent, handling synonyms, paraphrases, and multilingual input correctly. Used in multi-agent systems to decide which specialist agent handles a request, and in support systems to route tickets to the right team.

Example

A customer writes 'I need to change my plan' and another writes 'downgrade my subscription.' Keyword routing might miss the connection; semantic routing recognizes both as billing/plan-change intent and routes them to the same billing agent.

Frequently asked questions

How is semantic routing different from intent classification?: Intent classification assigns a label from a predefined set (e.g., 'billing', 'technical_support', 'sales'). Semantic routing is broader: it uses embedding similarity to match requests to handlers, and can route to handlers that weren't explicitly defined as categories. Semantic routing can also handle fuzzy or overlapping intents more gracefully, and doesn't require retraining when new route targets are added.

Related niches

Back to glossary

Loading…