Here's why:
* Semicolons don't *require* transitional words. They primarily indicate a close relationship between two independent clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences.
* Transitional words are used to *clarify* the relationship between the clauses. They provide a smoother flow and enhance understanding, but they aren't grammatically mandatory.
Examples:
* Without a transitional word:
* *The storm raged all night; the power went out.*
* With a transitional word:
* *The storm raged all night; consequently, the power went out.*
In summary: The term "transitional words" applies to a broader category, and they can be used in various sentence structures, not just after semicolons.