investigator

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ga·​tor in-ˈve-stə-ˌgā-tər How to pronounce investigator (audio)
plural investigators
Synonyms of investigatornext
: one who investigates something: such as
a
: detective
a private investigator
Debra Winger plays the investigator who becomes fixated on identifying a killer …Margaret Rauch
b
: a person who conducts experiments or is involved in scientific studies for research
the lead investigator in a clinical trial
For dialect recording, it is best for the investigator to take down as full and accurate notes as possible without slowing down the pace of the interview.Ravin I. McDavid, Jr.

Synonyms of investigator

Examples of investigator in a Sentence

investigators who discovered new evidence that the universe was much older than had been previously estimated the investigator in charge of the case was touted as an expert at tracing stolen art
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Paramedics took her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to investigators. Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026 Motives centers around Detective Izzy Morgan (Vasquez), a relentless investigator pulled into a dark and intricate case that exposes the hidden violence beneath wealth and privilege. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026 Trucking company lacked safety measures The findings point to a broader cascade of regulatory failures and safety lapses — by the state, the driver and his employer — that investigators say may have contributed to the crash. Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 Surveillance footage from the scenes shows the suspects using magnets to manipulate the fuel pump solenoids by opening pump panels and allowing fuel to be dispensed without payment, investigators said. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for investigator

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of investigator was in 1538

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Cite this Entry

“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investigator. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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