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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of investigator
And schools that delay submitting transfer paperwork until the last minute thinking investigators will be too busy to spot an error don’t understand the process.
—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Officials said investigators also searched his vehicle and found more cocaine and two boxes of 9mm ammunition.
—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
The agency said a fire investigator determined a candle that was burning in a bedroom caused the blaze.
—
Matthew Ablon,
Miami Herald,
20 June 2026
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 510-238-3426.
—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Officials said investigators also searched his vehicle and found more cocaine and two boxes of 9mm ammunition.
—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
The agency said a fire investigator determined a candle that was burning in a bedroom caused the blaze.
—
Matthew Ablon,
Miami Herald,
20 June 2026
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 510-238-3426.
—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
Noun
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The discovery is the latest in a series of notable archaeological finds announced by Israeli researchers this year.
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And researchers aren’t even sure cloud seeding is the right technology to physically nudge weather systems.
Noun
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Police said there were no signs of trauma or foul play and homicide detectives are investigating.
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On June 12, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Pollock on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, police said.
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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