A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described that
determines alternatives to a specified textual identifier, such as a
domain name, by identifying and using words and phrases that are related
to the identifier. A variety of types of related words can be used, such
as synonyms and translations, and the related words can be determined in
a variety of ways. One situation in which alternatives can be generated
is after a user has requested to use or acquire an unavailable textual
identifier, such as a request to register an already registered domain
name, and the determined alternatives can then be presented to the user
as possibilities for use or acquisition. When multiple alternatives are
presented to the user, they can also be ranked as to relevance and
ordered in a variety of ways.