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 This year, the agency has already posted 20 investigations and says work remains active for 18 foodborne illness clusters. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 The Army notified his former patients there about the investigation and how to report any complaints, NBC News reported. — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026 Inspector General Eliot Prescott released a 26-page report detailing the findings of his investigation into the death of 33-year-old Gamboy Guaranda at the New Haven Correctional Center on April 16. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 Summary Digital forensics expert Brett Shavers criticizes how non-practitioners increasingly dictate digital investigation processes, prioritizing administrative metrics over field realities. — Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 No additional information has been released, as the investigation remains active. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigation
  1. inquiry
  2. examination
  3. exploration
  4. study
  5. probe
  6. probing
  7. research
Noun
  • He was charged in December after the Army Criminal Investigation Division opened an inquiry in October following a complaint from a patient at Fort Hood.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Minnesota authorities began criminal inquiries after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, having to fight the federal government to secure the relevant evidence.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Noor Kestou, 33, of Commerce, appeared for a preliminary examination on Thursday on an involuntary manslaughter charge, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • And Becca is so sassy too when Mel wants to try to do the examination.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • Even without the question of more victims, the Manson case presented a new exploration of true crime, and the way the public processes it.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Crescent Energy Crescent Energy (CRGY) is an exploration and production company with activities focused in the Eagle Ford, Permian and Uinta Basins.
    — , CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • And in a study of a third group of over 690 participants, super movers had better cognition and lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • For the new study, Chang’s team created specialized fluorescent animal models that enabled them to visualize and isolate all of the cardiac neurons on the heart.
    — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of study
Noun
  • The agency launched one investigation into DPS last year after the district built a gender-neutral bathroom at East High School and a second Title IX probe in July after a teacher was accused of making female students kiss each other in class.
    — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers then used a sophisticated pump-probe laser technique.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 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
  • Among them is Benjamin Radford, a research fellow and investigator with the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, a nonprofit organization that evaluates paranormal and fringe-science claims from a scientific viewpoint.
    — Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In this series, Kristen Finch shares practical research skills to help students and educators search more effectively, evaluate sources, and build confidence using JSTOR.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 15 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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