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
For weeks, the victims' families waited for answers as investigators worked to identify the killer.
—
Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 13 June 2026
There, investigators found 26-year-old Brittnee McMillon and 29-year-old Jerrell Westmoreland unresponsive in a vehicle in the apartment’s parking lot, according to a probable cause statement filed in support of Siffre’s arrest.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
Gerken urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
The driver, who had been shot in the shoulder, drove to Northwest Fifth Avenue and 46th Street, about a mile away, before calling police, investigators say.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 13 June 2026
There, investigators found 26-year-old Brittnee McMillon and 29-year-old Jerrell Westmoreland unresponsive in a vehicle in the apartment’s parking lot, according to a probable cause statement filed in support of Siffre’s arrest.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
Gerken urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
The driver, who had been shot in the shoulder, drove to Northwest Fifth Avenue and 46th Street, about a mile away, before calling police, investigators say.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
Noun
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Opening avenues for obesity treatment The researchers also assessed the consequences of impaired POMC processing.—
Isabella Backman,
Hartford Courant,
12 June 2026
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In one study, researchers placed petri dishes beneath restroom air dryers and found as many as 60 bacterial colonies after just 30 seconds of exposure.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
Noun
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Bucks County detectives analyzed the account data and digital footprints, tracking the email and IP address directly to Tiffany's residence and personal devices, the DA's office said.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
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The detectives subsequently obtained an arrest warrant Burnside on the homicide charge.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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