research 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈsərch How to pronounce research (audio)
Definition of researchnext
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something I'll have to do some research for this project

Synonyms & Similar Words

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research

2 of 2

verb

as in to explore
to search through or into researched the public record for more information about her great-grandparents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of research
Noun
However, his decades worth of research is facing funding cuts. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 According to the market-research firm Data Bridge, the longevity- and wellness-biotech industry was valued at almost $5 billion in 2024. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
The move led to multiple lawsuits, and while the Missouri State Supreme Court mulled over the new maps, some election boards were uncertain which version to use when directing voters to research their races. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 After steering some of the funds toward naloxone and addiction-treatment programs, Hubbard began researching alternative rehabilitation therapies. — Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for research
Recent Examples of Synonyms for research
  1. investigation
  2. explore
  3. inquiry
  4. investigate
  5. study
  6. examine
  7. exploration
  8. examination
Noun
  • This year, the agency has already posted 20 investigations and says work remains active for 18 foodborne illness clusters.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Army notified his former patients there about the investigation and how to report any complaints, NBC News reported.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigation
Verb
  • The research, published in Chem Circularity, explores a system based on calcium looping, a process that uses the same basic material—limestone—that is already central to cement manufacturing.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Art fairs, collectors’ homes, artists’ studios, galas… The film is a welcoming and entertaining dive amongst the 1% and explores the complicated relationship between artists and commerce.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of explore
Noun
  • He was charged in December after the Army Criminal Investigation Division opened an inquiry in October following a complaint from a patient at Fort Hood.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Minnesota authorities began criminal inquiries after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, having to fight the federal government to secure the relevant evidence.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Verb
  • The new question is whether easy access to information diminishes human willingness to wonder and investigate deeply.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Chicago authorities are investigating a South Side funeral home after more than 50 bodies were discovered improperly stored and in various states of decomposition Thursday.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigate
Noun
  • Moreover, in a study of 29 users of Melanotan II published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, some users reported their skin turning a dull gray color.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Does this study prove that watching television causes negative brain changes?
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of study
Verb
  • Schrell examined whether annual production campaigns would be more effective, but concluded that the approach would not make economic or operational sense because of costs, limited hot-cell capacity and the isotope’s relatively short half-life.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Young Washington stars William Franklyn-Miller as Washington, which examines how a single misstep thrusts the future first president into the middle of a global conflict.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of examine
Noun
  • Lichtenstein recommends supporting style exploration while still identifying realistic limits and slowing down big choices through compromise and open communication about why your teen wants to switch up their look.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The energy minister said ExxonMobil plans to expand its exploration activities off Cyprus and is expected to receive an additional license to search for hydrocarbons.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • Becoming a therapist requires years of education, supervised practice, licensing examinations and often substantial student debt.
    — Wayne Lonstein, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Modi late last month posted a selfie video on Instagram and Facebook addressing students over examination paper leaks that stirred nationwide protests.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination

Browse Nearby Words

rescuing
research
researched
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Cite this Entry

“Research.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/research. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on research

Nglish: Translation of research for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about research

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