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.
According to police and court filings, investigators became concerned after identifying purchases that included explosive-proof containers, ball bearings, a four pound Thermite kit and other gun accessories. Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 24 Dec. 2025 Witnesses provided a description and investigators located the suspect -- identified by police as 40-year-old Antonio Moore -- a short time later, authorities said. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 Dec. 2025 Authorities at the time said Ashlee was refusing to cooperate with investigators. Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025 As the search for the shooter continues, investigators across local, state and federal agencies are working well together, Smiley said Sunday night. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025 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 28 Dec. 2025.

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