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
Sheriff’s investigators urged anyone with information about the shooting to call the SBI at 919-662-4500 or the Crimestoppers anonymous tips line at 910-483-8477.
—
Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026
Hunt said investigators quickly determined the fire at the insurance agency was deliberately set, and an arson investigation has begun.
—Harry Harris, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
Over the years, criminal investigators have tied the cash flow to child care fraud within Minnesota’s social services.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
Texas State police investigators train students on monitoring the cameras and on how to best spot and describe a possible crime.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026
Hunt said investigators quickly determined the fire at the insurance agency was deliberately set, and an arson investigation has begun.
—Harry Harris, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
Over the years, criminal investigators have tied the cash flow to child care fraud within Minnesota’s social services.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
Texas State police investigators train students on monitoring the cameras and on how to best spot and describe a possible crime.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
Noun
-
But researchers are also studying the drug’s effects on broader metabolic health, including blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk markers.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Last year, a team of American and Chinese researchers published an analysis of international research collaborations.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
On Tuesday night, Orosco flew back to the United States, escorted by Miami-Dade Sheriff's detectives and the FBI.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Days after the incident, detectives received pictures and messages from Smith’s Snapchat account indicating an arrangement between Williams and Smith to purchase marijuana.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
