Searchplex ID Retrieval terminology registry

Task

Agentic Retrieval

Canonical ID https://id.searchplex.net/agentic-retrieval/

A retrieval pattern in which an AI agent plans, issues, evaluates, and iterates retrieval actions as part of a broader reasoning or task-solving loop.

Also called

  • Agentic Search

Scope

Agentic retrieval emphasizes multi-step and adaptive retrieval behavior by an agent, often involving query reformulation, tool use, filtering, verification, or repeated searches. It is not the same as retrieval generally, RAG, semantic search, or multi-stage ranking.

Observed terms

  • Agent Retrieval industry

Part of family

Parts / stages

Evaluated by

Not equivalent to

  • Agentic Retrieval is not Agentic RAG. Agentic retrieval names the agent-controlled retrieval loop; Agentic RAG is the broader generation pattern that uses such a loop.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Iterative Retrieval. Agentic retrieval is agent-controlled; iterative retrieval is broader and may be user-driven, system-driven, feedback-driven, or agent-driven.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Multi-Stage Ranking. Multi-stage ranking is a retrieval-system architecture; agentic retrieval is a task-loop pattern in which an agent may call one or more retrieval systems repeatedly.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Retrieval-Augmented Generation. RAG is a generation pattern using retrieved information; agentic retrieval is an agent-controlled retrieval pattern that may be used within agentic RAG systems.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Retrieval. Retrieval selects items for a query; agentic retrieval describes an agent-controlled loop of retrieval actions and result handling.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Semantic Search. Semantic search describes meaning-oriented retrieval; agentic retrieval describes who controls and iterates the retrieval process.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Single-Shot Retrieval. Agentic retrieval iterates retrieval actions under agent control; single-shot retrieval uses one query or retrieval attempt without an agentic loop.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Conversational Search. Conversational search centers on user-system dialogue; agentic retrieval centers on an agent controlling retrieval actions.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Deep Research. Deep research is a broader agentic research and synthesis pattern; agentic retrieval is the retrieval loop that may support it.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Multi-Hop Retrieval. Multi-hop retrieval is a retrieval pattern; agentic retrieval is the broader agent-controlled loop that may perform multi-hop retrieval.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Query Routing. Query routing chooses a path for a query; agentic retrieval describes an agent-controlled retrieval loop that may include routing decisions.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Retrieval Planning. Retrieval planning is one capability within agentic retrieval; agentic retrieval is the broader agent-controlled retrieval pattern.
  • Agentic Retrieval is not Web Browsing Agent. A web browsing agent is an agent role or system; agentic retrieval is the retrieval behavior it may perform.

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