investigative

adjective

Definition of investigativenext
as in exploratory

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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 investigative When a camera is taken offline, an investigative lead can disappear, and a time-sensitive alert tied to an AMBER Alert, a missing-person case, or a violent crime suspect on the move may never reach the officers who need it. — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 The space company’s chief executive, Dave Limp, said investigative work is continuing into the anomaly that happened during a hot-fire test of the rocket during the evening of May 28, 2026. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026 The counterargument is that the investigative approach is designed to ensure NIL deals are truly about NIL and not pay-for-play. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2026 According to the investigative report, video evidence showed two electrical arcing events occurring in quick succession on an out-of-service transmission line. — James Ward, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2026 In December, the Justice Department started releasing investigative records pertaining to Epstein and Maxwell in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. — Savannah Peters, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 Eric Lipton is an investigative reporter for The New York Times. — Terry Gross, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026 Through its robust digital platform, newsletters and live events, Sportico delivers breaking news, enterprise and investigative reporting and sharp analysis covering every facet of the business of sports. — Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 It will be hosted by Baker, with investigative journalist Sara Obeidat producing. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigative
  1. exploratory
  2. experimental
  3. developmental
  4. probative
  5. preliminary
Adjective
  • In early 2023, PIF held exploratory talks about investing in various other clubs across Europe, notably Belgium’s KV Oostende, with a view to establishing the kind of multi-club model employed by Red Bull, City Football Group, BlueCo and others.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Eliminating students’ exploratory freedom doesn’t just abstractly limit their creativity.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of exploratory
Adjective
  • Sinkule says the first recipients of the experimental therapy should be scheduled before the end of the year, and that the treatment is roughly two and a half years away from market.
    — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Tarr’s scheme was an international, experimental doctoral school for film studies that ran from 2013 to 2017 in the Bosnian capital.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of experimental
Adjective
  • The deal will give Pochettino and his staff more power over the entire American soccer youth and developmental structure.
    — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Head Start operators, which include school districts and nonprofit organizations, are required to provide medical, dental and vision screenings for children and to monitor them for developmental delays.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of developmental
Adjective
  • Legal professionals must carefully weigh the probative value against potential juror backlash, educate the jury on the evidence's legitimacy, and consider whether to integrate AI chats cautiously or even forgo them entirely.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Our system already demands that evidence be relevant and probative.
    — Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of probative
Adjective
  • Jakoi placed second in the 100-meter preliminary event and fourth in the 200-meter preliminary event, according to online meet results as of Tuesday night.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • After a highly competitive preliminary audition process, six finalists from across the country were selected to compete in the final round.
    — Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of preliminary

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investigative
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Cite this Entry

“Investigative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigative. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of investigative for Spanish Speakers

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