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
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
Both suspects declined to speak with investigators following their arrests, police said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
Multiple media outlets have reported that investigators may be examining Carvalho’s involvement in the district’s past contract with AllHere, the now-defunct education technology startup behind LAUSD’s AI chatbot initiative.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 28 Feb. 2026
The driver of the pickup stayed at the scene and spoke with investigators.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Both suspects declined to speak with investigators following their arrests, police said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
Multiple media outlets have reported that investigators may be examining Carvalho’s involvement in the district’s past contract with AllHere, the now-defunct education technology startup behind LAUSD’s AI chatbot initiative.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 28 Feb. 2026
The driver of the pickup stayed at the scene and spoke with investigators.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
Noun
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Now, a new study suggests researchers globally may have built these plans on a shaky foundation.—
Marcos Magaña,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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Emily’s experience is part of a broader pattern that concerns researchers.—
Asuka Koda,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Together, Sarah Wondra and the roommates bound Michael with duct tape and shoved him into the duffel bag, Wondra recounted to the detectives.—
Alex Brizee
March 3,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
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No one was in custody for the fatal shooting, and detectives were investigating.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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