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
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of investigator
Police say amusement park is safe for families Katekaru said investigators believe Reed did not bring the gun inside Malibu Jack’s.
—
Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
Wilson and Farmiga once again play real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who are forced to take on one last case in Michael Chaves’ film.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
Moments later, Brown moved back toward Wilson and the fatal shots were fired, according to federal investigators.
—Susannah Cullinane, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
The Great War, however, breathed new life into Spiritualism; as men began to die in their thousands, far away from their homes and families, mediums and investigators were afforded a reinvigorated sense of purpose.
—Alice Vernon
september 8, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
Wilson and Farmiga once again play real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who are forced to take on one last case in Michael Chaves’ film.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
Moments later, Brown moved back toward Wilson and the fatal shots were fired, according to federal investigators.
—Susannah Cullinane, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
The Great War, however, breathed new life into Spiritualism; as men began to die in their thousands, far away from their homes and families, mediums and investigators were afforded a reinvigorated sense of purpose.
—Alice Vernon
september 8, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
Noun
-
It is comprised of meteorologists, researchers, storm chasers, the media and weather enthusiasts from around the world.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Failure to comply with the loyalty pledge is punishable by requiring researchers to repay scholarships in full, creating a powerful incentive to toe the party line.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Anyone with information regarding the man’s death can contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
-
This time, police taped off the house and questioned Sutton-Schulman for two hours until a detective got a call from the hospital confirming that L had attempted suicide in the woods behind the house.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share