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
Texas law allows state to close massage parlors Under a state law that took effect in 2023, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation can issue emergency orders halting the operation of any massage business if law enforcement or state investigators find evidence or indicators of human.
—
Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
Panjabi is likely best known, however, for her work on series like Life on Mars (2006–2007) and as investigator Kalinda Sharma on The Good Wife (2009–2015), the latter of which earned her three Emmy nominations and one win.
—EW.com, 3 Aug. 2025
After making it into the apartment, the brothers jumped off a second floor balcony to escape, investigators say.
—Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2025
The suspect fled on foot and dropped the gun, according to investigators.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
Panjabi is likely best known, however, for her work on series like Life on Mars (2006–2007) and as investigator Kalinda Sharma on The Good Wife (2009–2015), the latter of which earned her three Emmy nominations and one win.
—EW.com, 3 Aug. 2025
After making it into the apartment, the brothers jumped off a second floor balcony to escape, investigators say.
—Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2025
The suspect fled on foot and dropped the gun, according to investigators.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
detective
Noun
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The boy was later taken into custody at Shawnee High School and questioned by detectives, but was released after police determined he was not involved.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
13 Aug. 2025
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The film stars Smith as a detective in a near-future utopia in which humanity is served by a legion of compliant robots.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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