What do highlighted search terms represent in Splunk search results?

Highlighted search terms in Splunk search results represent matching results. When users perform a search, Splunk highlights specific terms within the returned events that correspond to the search query. This visual emphasis on the matching terms helps users quickly identify relevant portions of their search results and understand how the data relates to their inquiry. Highlighting improves clarity and efficiency, allowing users to focus on the most pertinent information without having to sift through entire events manually.

Other options do not accurately describe the purpose of the highlighted terms. "All results" would imply that every part of the data is emphasized, which is not the case. "Sorted results" focuses on the order of data rather than highlighting specific matches. "Display as selected field" would pertain to the configuration of how fields are shown or filtered rather than emphasizing matching terms within the text of results.