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

One dog, Bruce, whose neck was slashed by his owner, spent seven months at the shelter as investigators sought charges, trembling in his kennel and looking scared, according to visitors. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Metro Fire investigators were working Friday to determine what started the blaze. — Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Based on information provided by witnesses, investigators were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle using an Automated License Plate Reader, which in turn helped investigators identify the suspect, the release said. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2026

Yet investigators have struggled to connect Einhorn and Urich with either the Bild case or Qatargate. — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing investigator

• private investigator