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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 The ProPublica report, published Tuesday, states that the FBI in 2024 planned to launch an investigation into Collins' dealings with Navatek, a Hawaii defense contractor and donor to her campaign. — Patrick Whittle, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026 Federal authorities probing her death are focusing their investigation in Los Angeles and are looking into whether the actor procured nonprescription pills from an area dealer. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 These investigations require significant resources, but overdose deaths are often not prioritized by police in the same way as a fatal shooting. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026 Although Ossoff began the cycle as Republicans' top target, Collins has endured weeks of negative headlines about a House ethics investigation and his son-in-law's white nationalist views. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 The agreement requires Haiti to pay Stone’s legal fees if he is drawn into any investigation or audit arising from the work, the advocacy group notes. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 The investigation alone has already cost approximately $379,000, with a final invoice from the outside law firm still outstanding. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigation
  1. inquiry
  2. examination
  3. exploration
  4. study
  5. probe
  6. probing
  7. research
Noun
  • The Labor Department referred inquiries to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    — Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Crumbl Cookie did not respond to an inquiry from The Sacramento Bee about its closure.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • One place that states can begin with is a closer examination of nonmedical vaccine exemptions for schoolchildren.
    — Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In a recent examination of prescribing trends, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Olfson and his team reported progress.
    — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • And it's brought to our audience a wide range of compelling stories – from personal narratives to sound-rich explorations of places and events to hard-hitting journalism on issues and topics that are important to students.
    — Janet W. Lee, NPR, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Tudor sees a lot more Western Hemisphere exploration rising from Alaska down to Argentina, and South American governments are trending more business friendly.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • A bit Kubrick, a bit BLACK MIRROR but also feels original — a surreal, weird, funny study on (human) nature and storytelling.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
  • According to the same PwC study, entry-level roles that involve AI skills are seven times more likely to require capabilities such as judgment and leadership, which aren’t traditionally entry-level requirements.
    — Haris Pylarinos, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • Even with Oracle founder Larry Ellison the primary backer of his son’s ParaBros dreams, the even older Ellison’s net worth, which has been declining of late, may not be able to handle the strain of months and months of such probes.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2026
  • When Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet, sought to expand the probe, Netanyahu moved to fire him.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 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
  • This grant will fund the largest global research initiative devoted to the rise in breast cancer among younger women.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Olive seeks out securing another grant to help fund her research to find non-invasive, affordable early detection methods for pancreatic cancer.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 23 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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