Currently, it is possible to specify an analyzer in the mapping which is used for indexing and after the fix for http://jira.compassframework.org/browse/CMP-505 also for searching when a query string has a prefix. In some cases having just 1 analyzer associated to a field is sufficient (the search analyzer equals the indexing analyzer). In other cases however you would like to be able to specify a search analyzer that is (slightly) different from the indexing analyzer. This search analyzer will then be used when a query string has a prefix that is associated with this analyzer (i.e. this analyzer is then preferred above the 'normal' analyzer that is associated with this prefix) See thread http://forums.opensymphony.com/thread.jspa?threadID=201421&tstart=0 for the discussion (posts after Jan 21)