1
as in researcher
one who observes or studies by close examination and systematic inquiry
investigators who discovered new evidence that the universe was much older than had been previously estimated
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2
as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons
the investigator in charge of the case was touted as an expert at tracing stolen art
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of investigator
But the motive, investigators cautioned, remains under investigation.
—
Nouran Salahieh, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Firearm found in truck that rammed Temple Israel Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, speaking the day after the attack at the synagogue at 5725 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield, said that investigators expected to learn more Friday about the truck and the driver.
—Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Hanson was arrested in Phoenix in January 2024 after investigators linked the posts to him.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 7 Mar. 2026
On March 7, 2005, investigators told Tribune reporters that DNA was pulled from a cigarette butt found in the kitchen sink of the Lefkow home.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Nouran Salahieh, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Firearm found in truck that rammed Temple Israel Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, speaking the day after the attack at the synagogue at 5725 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield, said that investigators expected to learn more Friday about the truck and the driver.
—Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Hanson was arrested in Phoenix in January 2024 after investigators linked the posts to him.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 7 Mar. 2026
On March 7, 2005, investigators told Tribune reporters that DNA was pulled from a cigarette butt found in the kitchen sink of the Lefkow home.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
Noun
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The researchers aim to cut costs by simplifying the system and partnering with manufacturers to produce the control unit at scale.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
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Instead, the researchers wanted to know how participants’ use of AI systems might sway their (written) answers.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Investigators learned on Tuesday that Lickhart had died from her injuries, and homicide detectives took over the case, DiMartino said.—
Nathan Pilling
March 17,
Kansas City Star,
18 Mar. 2026
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As their investigation continues, LBPD detectives asked anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them at (562) 570-7355.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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