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

Miller said investigators cannot yet say whether the suspect killed himself, pending an autopsy. — Marin Scott, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026

Polk County investigators spent tens of thousands of hours working to pursue a conviction in the Weldon case, Judd said. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Sources said investigators were searching for a person of interest Thursday. — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

The opportunity to install stationary devices in a handful of high-traffic areas came through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Auto Theft Prevention Program, which also helps pay for an investigator. — Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing investigator

• private investigator