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 Such killings often silence voices that threaten or interfere with cartel profits, said Miguel Meza, a researcher at the investigative organization Narcopoliticos. — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 The newspaper, once edited by the Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov, has long been seen as a beacon of Russian investigative reporting. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026 Some Democrats have already telegraphed their investigative priorities ahead of the election. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 Typically, the Justice Department has adhered to a practice of avoiding taking overt investigative steps in politically sensitive investigations within 60 days of an election. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 This turned into an investigative mission to find out how deep this whole Mahjong craze goes. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Participants receive a $9,000 stipend, a trip to the annual NICAR investigative journalism conference, occasional training and presentations by speakers. — Talia Buford, ProPublica, 28 Oct. 2026 And Justice Department guidelines and norms have typically urged prosecutors to avoid taking overt investigative steps on politically sensitive cases so close to a national election. — Sophia Vlahakis, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 THR‘s other noms span the breadth of categories from cover art to photos to investigative stories to illustrations. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigative
  1. exploratory
  2. experimental
  3. developmental
  4. probative
  5. preliminary
Adjective
  • State wildlife officials say some white shark encounters may involve exploratory bites as the animals investigate unfamiliar objects in the water, including kayaks.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • No efforts have ever progressed beyond the exploratory stage.
    — Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of exploratory
Adjective
  • In experimental tests described by the company, the approach completed one task in just under 16 minutes, compared with more than 29 minutes using a conventional approach.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The album’s experimental bent is also what keeps the music from slipping into parody or, even worse, po-faced sincerity.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of experimental
Adjective
  • The death of Romero sparked tributes from the hockey world, including from the ECHL – a developmental hockey league that serves as part of the NHL’s minor league system.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Rain can cause contaminants to leach into groundwater, and studies have linked exposure to cancer, kidney damage, and developmental problems in children.
    — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 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
  • The release of preliminary financial results was likely tied to Kimberly-Clark's efforts to close its blockbuster acquisition of Tylenol maker Kenvue , which is supposed to close by year-end.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
  • What’s Driving The Increase According to KFF’s analysis of preliminary rate filings, insurers are requesting a median 14% premium increase in the small group market.
    — Glynn Frechette, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of preliminary

Browse Nearby Words

investigations
investigative
investigator
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Cite this Entry

“Investigative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigative. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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