Abstract: In 2019, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) restructured the atmospheric sciences application code. A total of 15 sub-application codes were determined. The application code for synoptic meteorology was changed from the original D0505 to D0501, with the numerical model development studies relocated to the sub-code of D0511. This paper interprets the setting of six research directions and their respective keywords of D0501. Some misuses of keywords are clarified. Meanwhile, the keyword usage status for 2020–2022 is summarized. Suggestions and issues that should be considered when using keywords are proposed. This paper aims to help applicants choose research directions and keywords accurately for a better match between the proposals and reviewers.