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

On March 7, 2005, investigators told Tribune reporters that DNA was pulled from a cigarette butt found in the kitchen sink of the Lefkow home. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026

Lewis noted that investigators are still trying to determine when the three people in the home died. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

As cases of an illness stemming from a parasite that causes symptoms like explosive diarrhea continue to rise across the United States, the hunt for the source has so far seen investigators turn up empty-handed. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Luna Mejia was earning wages from that employer while receiving SNAP benefits, but did not report that income on recertifications, investigators allege. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026

Phrases Containing investigator

• private investigator