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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The researchers used these lenses to build a multifocal structured illumination microscope that resolved biological structures at the nanoscale.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
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Part of the researchers’ message is that exposure to harmful substances doesn’t just come from smokestacks or car exhaust.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Chicago Police Department Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact Area 2 SVU detectives at 312-747-8274.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
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Two veteran homicide detectives who once served at the LAPD, including the former detective who oversaw Short's investigation, say that several clues point to Margolis, who died in 1993, being responsible for Short's death and the five murders attributed to the Zodiac Killer.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigators. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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