define custom column in list

I want to search on a define column in a list, however, the value is going to be passed in. Currently, I can set the column to equal a certain value and its fine, however, I don't know what the users will be entering in, how can I make the to be blank but still be indexed and searchable?

Example;

Search Rule Type: Property Query

Add Property Restrictions: {column name}

=

I need this field to be blank due to we're not sure what the user will enter. Can we use {like} clause in it?

We just want to search a specific column in the list and not the entire list