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
Earlier that week, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department told ABC News that an individual had been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the case, and investigators were preparing to search a location tied to that individual.
—
Michaela Zee, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Chartrand previously told The Star investigators believe the parties involved in the shooting knew each other.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
By then, investigators were starting to connect him to a string of abductions and murders.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
At the same time, investigators face challenges including verifying ransom demands in the digital age.
—Chris Kenning, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Michaela Zee, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Chartrand previously told The Star investigators believe the parties involved in the shooting knew each other.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
By then, investigators were starting to connect him to a string of abductions and murders.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
At the same time, investigators face challenges including verifying ransom demands in the digital age.
—Chris Kenning, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
Noun
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That has raised some concerns among longtime prediction market experts and researchers.—
Suzy Khimm,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
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Now, those vaccines, which researchers estimate have prevented thousands of deaths and millions of illnesses, are recommended by the CDC only for children at high risk of serious illness or after consultation between doctors and parents.—
Amanda Seitz,
NPR,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Wright, who formerly worked as a detective, said the video contains apparent facial features such as a mustache and that investigators should be able to calculate height, shoe size and brands of clothing.—
Ramon Padilla,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
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DeOrzio turned himself in to county detectives Tuesday morning and is awaiting an arraignment and preliminary hearing.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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