1
as in researchers
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 detectives
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 investigators
The investigators and May expressed concern that DeCristo had not addressed her actions.
—
Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Parents of students with disabilities have increasingly resorted to filing complaints with the state over their schools’ failure to educate their children, and most of the time, state investigators have agreed.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Anyone who may know more was asked to contact investigators at Jurupa Valley's Sheriff's Station by calling (951) 955-2600.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Fonseca was interviewed several times during the initial investigation, but nothing at the time led investigators to believe she was involved, Smyth said.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Nov. 2025
The driver immediately stopped, stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, police said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
Naqvi said police investigators also confirmed the blast was caused by a suicide bomber.
—NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
Homicide investigators are investigating the circumstances of the death as suspicious based on the woman’s unexplained injuries.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
Shelide said investigators learned a man came into the business about three weeks ago, arguing and making threats to the owner regarding the sale of the Hummer, which the man bought for about $3,000.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Parents of students with disabilities have increasingly resorted to filing complaints with the state over their schools’ failure to educate their children, and most of the time, state investigators have agreed.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Anyone who may know more was asked to contact investigators at Jurupa Valley's Sheriff's Station by calling (951) 955-2600.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Fonseca was interviewed several times during the initial investigation, but nothing at the time led investigators to believe she was involved, Smyth said.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Nov. 2025
The driver immediately stopped, stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, police said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
Naqvi said police investigators also confirmed the blast was caused by a suicide bomber.
—NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
Homicide investigators are investigating the circumstances of the death as suspicious based on the woman’s unexplained injuries.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
Shelide said investigators learned a man came into the business about three weeks ago, arguing and making threats to the owner regarding the sale of the Hummer, which the man bought for about $3,000.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigators
Noun
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Compared to 2024, homicides were down dramatically in Washington (31%), Chicago (30%), New York City (21%) and San Francisco (20%) — leading some researchers to call it the largest one-year drop on record.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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The researchers are hopeful that uncovering the processes preceding Alzheimer’s disease could one day lead to new therapies.—
Isabella Backman,
Hartford Courant,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Summit County Sheriff's Office SCSO says detectives discovered electronic messages sent by Zabik detailing plans and a timeline to carry out a mass shooting in the county.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Additionally, detectives believe McCray and Asendorf knew each other prior to the alleged murder, according to WSVN.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigators. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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