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
His attorney had asked officers to check on him, investigators said.
—
Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Security footage captured the black ride-share vehicle on the road when a white vehicle, identified by investigators as belonging to the police officer, approached.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
Based on preliminary information, investigators determined the security guard, who was working after hours, crossed the street to a nearby business and began talking with a person.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 May 2026
But Parkinson said there have since been advances in the soil science and the ground-penetrating radar investigators used to scour the property.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Iowa state investigators interviewed the family.
—Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 10 May 2026
Federal investigators have collected DNA from someone other than Nancy Guthrie on her property.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 10 May 2026
Allison Barr/The Oregonian via AP Portland police said in a statement Saturday night that during an ensuing search of the vehicle and building, investigators located several incendiary and improvised explosive devices, some of which had partially detonated.
—Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 3 May 2026
DiMartino wrote in an email that KCPD plans to send a press release with details of the crash once investigators leave the scene.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 3 May 2026
Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Security footage captured the black ride-share vehicle on the road when a white vehicle, identified by investigators as belonging to the police officer, approached.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
Based on preliminary information, investigators determined the security guard, who was working after hours, crossed the street to a nearby business and began talking with a person.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 May 2026
But Parkinson said there have since been advances in the soil science and the ground-penetrating radar investigators used to scour the property.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Iowa state investigators interviewed the family.
—Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 10 May 2026
Federal investigators have collected DNA from someone other than Nancy Guthrie on her property.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 10 May 2026
Allison Barr/The Oregonian via AP Portland police said in a statement Saturday night that during an ensuing search of the vehicle and building, investigators located several incendiary and improvised explosive devices, some of which had partially detonated.
—Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 3 May 2026
DiMartino wrote in an email that KCPD plans to send a press release with details of the crash once investigators leave the scene.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 3 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigators
Noun
-
In 2021, researchers at Brown University found that toddlers who were born during the pandemic had significantly lower verbal, motor and overall cognitive performance compared to toddlers born in the previous decade.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
The researchers report substantial gains from the system.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Bastrop County detectives found evidence that Aviles had been dragged, strangled and assaulted, noting mud on her clothing and feet, bruising on her neck, chin and lip, and blood on her face and the exterior of her car.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
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As their investigation continues, detectives ask anyone with more information to come forward.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigators. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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