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
One former chef later told federal investigators how Epstein would take a girl to his master bedroom every hour, and after his massage, the maids would go make the bed and clean up.
—
Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
Lawrence opened the session with a direct query about how the Guthrie case has yet to be solved despite all the cutting-edge forensic tools that are available to investigators these days.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
According to the department, officers had no prior contact with the vehicle before the tow yard’s call, prompting investigators to work with other local agencies to determine how the car was impounded and why the child was inside.
—Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 1 Mar. 2026
On March 7, 2005, investigators told Tribune reporters that DNA was pulled from a cigarette butt found in the kitchen sink of the Lefkow home.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
Lawrence opened the session with a direct query about how the Guthrie case has yet to be solved despite all the cutting-edge forensic tools that are available to investigators these days.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
According to the department, officers had no prior contact with the vehicle before the tow yard’s call, prompting investigators to work with other local agencies to determine how the car was impounded and why the child was inside.
—Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 1 Mar. 2026
On March 7, 2005, investigators told Tribune reporters that DNA was pulled from a cigarette butt found in the kitchen sink of the Lefkow home.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
Noun
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The researchers aim to cut costs by simplifying the system and partnering with manufacturers to produce the control unit at scale.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
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Instead, the researchers wanted to know how participants’ use of AI systems might sway their (written) answers.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On Tuesday night, Orosco flew back to the United States, escorted by Miami-Dade Sheriff's detectives and the FBI.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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Days after the incident, detectives received pictures and messages from Smith’s Snapchat account indicating an arrangement between Williams and Smith to purchase marijuana.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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