Semantic search assesses the meaning of a query and the relationships between concepts. Exact character matches are only part of it. It helps find a relevant result even when the query is phrased differently.
What is semantic search?
The queries "running shoes" and "shoes for running" can point to the same need. The search engine works with context, location, entities and other signals.
Exact words can still matter, for example with a product name, a person or a specialist term. Semantic search adds to them. It doesn't cancel them out.
Why mechanical keyword repetition fails
Repeating a phrase without adding value doesn't improve the meaning or usefulness of a page. Overuse also hurts readability and can look like content written mainly for the search engine.
Skip keyword density. Use natural language, synonyms and related terms where you need them to explain something precisely.
What it means for content
Start with the user's intent and check it in the SERP. One page can cover several phrasings of the same need, while a different intent may need its own URL.
Keep the content specific. Broad topic coverage doesn't mean adding every related word. It means answering the questions that help the reader understand or decide.