as in inquiry
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something
officials launched an extensive investigation of the plane crash
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Recent Examples of investigation
Anyone can trigger an adult protection investigation by calling The Florida Abuse Hotline, 1-800-96 ABUSE.
—
Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
The investigation revealed that the man near the scene was the child's uncle, who was the last person known to be responsible for the child's care, police said.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The Catawba County’s Fire Marshal requested a criminal investigation into the cause, which led to the SBI being involved, officials said.
—Mark Price
april 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
That secret, a CNN investigation has found, centered on China’s covert plans to massively expand its nuclear ambitions.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
The Heat last month was awarded a draft pick by the NBA in this June’s second round from the Hornets in light of Charlotte not making the Heat aware of Rozier being under gambling investigation while still with the Hornets.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
The investigation revealed that the man near the scene was the child's uncle, who was the last person known to be responsible for the child's care, police said.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The Catawba County’s Fire Marshal requested a criminal investigation into the cause, which led to the SBI being involved, officials said.
—Mark Price
april 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
That secret, a CNN investigation has found, centered on China’s covert plans to massively expand its nuclear ambitions.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
The Heat last month was awarded a draft pick by the NBA in this June’s second round from the Hornets in light of Charlotte not making the Heat aware of Rozier being under gambling investigation while still with the Hornets.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigation
Noun
-
He was convicted in 2019 of seven felonies, including obstructing a congressional inquiry, lying to investigators under oath and attempting to block witness testimony.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
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This inquiry into police corruption stems from a dramatic news conference last year by a provincial police officer, who accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police officers of having links with organized crime.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Whether this turns out to be a goofy bit of fluff or an actual examination of power dynamics in relationships is yet to be determined (though the trailer suggests the former).—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
30 Mar. 2026
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Included in the analysis were examinations of pay distribution, employment conditions, labor load and education rates of a demographic that makes up 39% of the Golden State’s labor force.—
Nicole Macias Garibay,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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While the crew will not land on the moon, NASA said the lunar flyby mission is designed to test life support systems and critical operations, paving the way for future moon landings and Mars exploration.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Inside the University of Texas at Arlington planetarium, students and space enthusiasts gathered to witness the next chapter in lunar exploration.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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The school integrates four years of rigorous academics with four years of professional work experience through its corporate work study program.—
Christina Mayo,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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South Africa’s police chief was charged with corruption as part of a probe that has exposed the staggering graft problem in the continent’s biggest economy.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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The probe adds to pressure that social media companies are facing on both sides of the Atlantic over the welfare of young people.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The hosts also talk about Prasad’s second exit from the FDA and a congressman’s probing of the agency’s rare disease drug denials.—
Adam Feuerstein,
STAT,
12 Mar. 2026
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To this end, the event was likely either a misunderstanding or a deliberate probing of China’s aerial defense response.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
As recently as 2022, research group IDinsight found unintended pregnancy was, after a lack of money for school fees, the leading cause of girls not returning to education.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
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These requests typically don’t require changing the name, but rather editing its definition — for instance, the primary feature of a condition may need updating, or research may have found new aspects of a disease.—
Annalisa Merelli,
STAT,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigation. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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