investigation

noun

Definition of investigationnext
as in inquiry
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something officials launched an extensive investigation of the plane crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigation
  1. inquiry
  2. examination
  3. exploration
  4. study
  5. probe
  6. research
Noun
  • An inquiry from Newsweek to the senators about what specific incidents, reports and/or complaints spurred the letter earlier this year received no response.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
  • The 14 corrections employees accused of being involved in the attack were placed on administrative leave around the time the death was disclosed amid inquiries by the department’s Office of Special Investigations, the state attorney general and the State Police.
    Ed Shanahan, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • What began earlier in Iannucci’s career as simply skewering pompous politicians has matured into an examination of what happens when leaders with feet of mud let their egos make decisions that will change the lives of millions.
    Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The great Pam Adlon directs this fearless examination of friendship and fertility.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of examination
Noun
  • Across generations and geographical borders, these encounters underscore the universality and ongoing nature of inner exploration.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Starship will be the first crewed lander for NASA's Artemis program of moon exploration, for example, and the current schedule calls for the vehicle to deliver agency astronauts to the lunar south polar region on the Artemis 3 mission in late 2026.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2024
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • According to WalletHub's recent study on the best places to live, Florida ranked second.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • There are more than 36 species in the Semisulcospira genus, including 18 in Lake Biwa in Japan, according to the study.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
Definition of study
Noun
  • Officials said the first 24 hours of the probe was an effort to see whether the suspect acted alone.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Critical to the probe is whether he had been radicalized prior to the travel or if the travel marked the start of his radicalization.
    Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 4 Jan. 2025
Definition of probe
Noun
  • Organizations can designate a digital wellness officer or task force to maximize the impact of research and implement mental health platforms.
    Dr. Ritu Goel, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Yet, going by the best ethnographic and social-science research, his fear of brainwashing was overblown.
    Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of research
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near investigation

investigating

investigation

investigations

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Cite this Entry

“Investigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigation. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on investigation

Nglish: Translation of investigation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of investigation for Arabic Speakers

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