1
as in researcher
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in detective
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

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 investigator Lawyer Kurt Sommer filed a petition Tuesday in state District Court in Santa Fe attempting to prevent the medical investigator and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office from releasing footage, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. Janelle Ash, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025 The real-time feel of Adolescence means there are no flashbacks or exposition, and the audience learns everything just as the investigators and Jamie's family do. Jessica Sager, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 The sheriff's office has no jurisdiction over the case but sent detectives to the island to assist local investigators. Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025 An unattended cooking fire killed a toddler in the middle of the night, and the child’s parents now face involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the tragedy, according to investigators in North Carolina. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for investigator

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on investigator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!