1
as in researcher
one who observes or studies by close examination and systematic inquiry
investigators who discovered new evidence that the universe was much older than had been previously estimated
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2
as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons
the investigator in charge of the case was touted as an expert at tracing stolen art
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Recent Examples of investigator
Before long, federal investigators established that he had been murdered by the police.
—
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Deputies took a missing persons report, but Sheriff’s investigators soon suspected the elderly Sayasane had been killed, with signs pointing to his roommate, 31-year-old Benjamin Dougherty.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Miami Gardens’ investigators on Friday afternoon were still trying to determine who the shooter was and the circumstances of the altercation, the spokesperson said.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Tesla Center footage allegedly showed McIntire lighting a device, which ignites, and throwing it on a Cybertruck.
McIntire then returned to the area of the witness’ home on foot and was seen leaving the area in his vehicle around 11:13 p.m., investigators said.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Deputies took a missing persons report, but Sheriff’s investigators soon suspected the elderly Sayasane had been killed, with signs pointing to his roommate, 31-year-old Benjamin Dougherty.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Miami Gardens’ investigators on Friday afternoon were still trying to determine who the shooter was and the circumstances of the altercation, the spokesperson said.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Tesla Center footage allegedly showed McIntire lighting a device, which ignites, and throwing it on a Cybertruck.
McIntire then returned to the area of the witness’ home on foot and was seen leaving the area in his vehicle around 11:13 p.m., investigators said.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
Noun
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With the Farris Wheel starting to turn, detectives asked Scott if his father was having an affair.—
Susan Mallie,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2025
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Prosecutors also said detectives recovered video footage that suggests there may be dozens, if not hundreds, of women who were victimized.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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