The Merge method uses all the accepted match records of a search record unlike the Best method, which uses only the best match. The Merge method adds the search record to the existing cluster of its best match. Additionally, this method merges all other clusters that contain accepted match records to the same cluster. If the search record does not match any existing records, the Merge method creates a cluster for the search record.

The Merge method can result in a large number of records in the merged cluster, so avoid using the loose matching criteria when you use the Merge method.

Use the Merge method when aliasing issues might lead to an incomplete result. For example, to identify a family that lives in the same address, define a multi-search that searches names and addresses. The Merge method can cluster everyone together even if the spouses have different surnames.