investigation

noun

Definition of investigationnext
as in inquiry
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something officials launched an extensive investigation of the plane crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of investigation Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in February that his country would open an investigation that included a focus on possible links between Epstein and Russian intelligence. — Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026 The reviews suggest the film depicts the investigations as having crossed a line, becoming exploitation in which the public good was secondary to ratings. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 This investigation will merge with a pre-existing investigation into other donations to the party, the Met added. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 After the mistrial was declared, Cruz told reporters the evidence uncovered by the investigation into the killings warranted first-degree murder charges. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026 Preliminary information in the investigation shows that the man had chased down the victim and shot her in front of several witnesses, Gandhi said. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026 But Lindsey's story shows what can happen when a lead begins driving the investigation instead of helping investigators test what really happened. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Delegates could be heard applauding inside the board room as the resolution was adopted ending the investigation after almost two decades. — Stephanie Liechtenstein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Early investigation details indicate the crash happened as a 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle drove south on Noland Road, according to a news release. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigation
  1. inquiry
  2. examination
  3. exploration
  4. study
  5. probe
  6. probing
  7. research
Noun
  • Each case becomes a moral inquiry into memory, guilt and dignity, while Porto itself emerges as a character.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Each room comes with butler service, and activity inquiries and changes were seamless with the knowledgeable front desk team.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Bi-2212 now warrants closer examination under fusion-relevant radiation.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Disney has argued the FCC has gone well beyond an examination of its internal hiring practices — the original purpose of the agency’s review.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • Jacir signed on as executive producer after connecting with the film’s exploration of memory and resistance.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
  • These days, Artemis isn't the only extra demand on DSN; other space agencies also use the network for their own spacecraft, to a much greater degree than 50 years ago as space exploration has matured.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • More radiation tests needed The researchers say the experiment provides a useful baseline for future irradiation studies.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The study also examined whether the timing of treatment was linked to dementia risk.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • When the scanning tip encounters a rough surface, the mechanical contact between the probe and the sample changes.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • For example, if one probe hits a subject in the thigh and the other probe hits a thick bubble jacket, there’s a good chance the officer won’t have good connectivity, Keller said.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of probe
Noun
  • There was Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, accepting an award for his relentless probing of the White House.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026
  • But neither of them seemed eager to undergo much emotional probing.
    — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of probing
Noun
  • Professor Malhotra’s research found that there is a higher prevalence of serious heart conditions in elite footballers, with an average of one in every 250 players.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The authors would like to thank HKU Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science for providing research funding informing this article.
    — Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of research

Browse Nearby Words

investigating
investigation
investigations
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Cite this Entry

“Investigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigation. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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