Synonyms of investigator

investigator

noun

in-ˈve-stə-ˌgā-tər 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• researcher
• experimenter
• observer
• examiner
• monitor
• inspector
• fact finder
• empiricist
• empiric
• field-worker

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• detective
• operative
• sleuth
• private investigator
• dick
• gumshoe
• private detective
• private eye
• sleuthhound
• shamus
• sherlock
• tracker
• tracer
• hawkshaw
• Federal
• tail
• plainclothesman
• narc
• fed
• shadow
• G-man

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of investigator

Video recordings and documents detail how investigators pursued the case, and the possibility of abuse, for months but failed to identify a perpetrator. — Amy Brittain, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026

To force Davis’ cooperation, Dupree said investigators gathered evidence that Davis, now 63, had sold a large quantity of PCP through his home, exposing him to a potential life sentence and leaving his family open to charges. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Placer investigators have arrested a Tennessee man suspected of sextorting a Placer County child online, sheriff’s officials said Friday, and identified other underage victims, including one the suspect allegedly met at a Placer County hotel. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

The mother later told investigators that her son admitted to attacking Heintz, according to a police affidavit supporting the arrests. — David K. Li, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing investigator

• private investigator