Abstract: In various embodiments, an intent-based query processing application processes search queries. The intent-based query processing application computes lexical similarity scores between a search query and a set of entities. The intent-based query processing application computes entity relevance scores based on the lexical similarity scores and user engagement scores associated with both the search query and the set of entities. The intent-based query processing application computes a first category relevance score associated with both the search query and a first category based on the entity relevance scores. The intent-based query processing application determines an intent associated with the search query based on the first category relevance score. The intent-based query processing application generates a response to the search query based on the intent.