> For AI agents: [llms.txt](https://docs.trustedauth.com/llms.txt) provides a Markdown index of this documentation.

# Create Word Maps

The **Word Map** feature lets administrators define synonyms for words in expected answers to a user's assigned knowledge-based authenticator (KBA) questions. When a synonym is configured, users can enter that synonym instead of the expected word and still provide a valid answer.

Word Map synonyms apply only when **Inexact Match Allowed for an Answer** is enabled in the knowledge-based authentication settings. For more information, see [Modify knowledge-based authentication settings](/docs/authentication-and-security/manage-authenticators/manage-knowledge-based-authenticators-kba/modify-kba-settings.md). Synonyms apply only to questions included in the individual user's assigned KBA.

IDaaS maintains a separate Word Map for each available language. Synonyms entered for one language apply only to questions written in that language.

Before you add entries, confirm which language your users use for KBA questions. A synonym added in one language does not apply to questions in another language.

To manage Word Maps, your role must include access to the **Account and Authenticator Settings** system entity. For more information, see [Create and assign roles](/docs/people-and-access/manage-members/create-assign-and-manage-roles.md).

note

You can filter the list of words and their synonyms on the **Word Maps** page using the **Type text to filter...** text box located on the top-right corner of the **Word Maps** table.

## Create Word Maps

1. Click Menu icon **>** **Configuration** **> Knowledge Base Authentications**. The **Knowledge-based Authenticators** page appears.
2. Click **Word Maps**. The **Word Maps** page appears.
3. Do one of the following:
   - [Add synonyms to Word Maps](#add-synonyms-to-word-maps)
   - [Edit and delete synonyms](#edit-and-delete-synonyms)
   - [Delete a word](#delete-a-word)

### Add synonyms to Word Maps

1. Select the localized language from the drop-down list.

2. Click **Add**. The **Add Word Synonym** dialog box appears.

3. In the **Word** field, enter the base word that can appear in a KBA answer. The word cannot contain a space.

note
**Word Maps** entries with **Word** values containing identical alphanumeric characters but different special characters (such as !"#$%&+-()) cannot be added. IDaaS treats these entries as identical and the system prevents adding the duplicate entry. For example, IDaaS would block adding test- as a **Word Maps** entry if test is already on the **Word Maps** list.

4. Select **Allow Empty** to allow for a KBA answer to be valid even if the word entered in the previous step is not included as part of the answer.

5. For example, selecting **Allow Empty** for the word "the" would allow a user to enter house as the answer to a KBA question expecting the answer the house and still have their answer deemed valid.

note
If **Allow Empty** is selected for a Word on the **Word Maps** list, and that word is the only word expected as the answer to a question. The user still fails to answer the question correctly if they enter nothing instead. The same applies if all of the words in the answer are allowed to be empty and the user enters none of them.

6. In the **Synonyms** field, enter a synonym for the word you entered in the **Word** field.

7. To add more synonyms, click **Add**. A new row appears for you to enter another synonym. Repeat this step to add more synonyms.

8. Click **Add** to return to the **Word Maps** page. The word and synonyms entered appear in the Word Maps table.

### Edit and delete synonyms

1. Click the synonym you want to edit. The **Update Word Synonym** dialog box appears.
2. In the **Word** field, edit the word you added as a synonym, if required.
3. Select **Allow Empty** to allow for a KBA answer to be valid even if the word entered in the previous step is not included as part of the answer.
4. In the **Synonym** field, enter a synonym for the word you entered in the **Word** field.
5. To add more synonyms click **Add**. A new row appears.
6. Enter the synonym and repeat this step to add more synonyms.
7. Click Trash icon next to the synonym to delete it.
8. Click **Save**.

### Delete a word

1. In the **Word Maps** list click Trash icon next to the word.
2. Click **Delete** on the confirmation prompt.

### Validate your changes

After you add, edit, or delete entries, verify the following:

1. The expected word and synonyms appear in the selected language list.
2. Questions in that language accept the configured synonym when inexact matching is enabled.
3. Deleted words or synonyms no longer appear in the **Word Maps** table.