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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of investigators
Payments will be based on severity and duration of the abuse, the level of cooperation with investigators and other factors, records show.
—
Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Quinn says investigators questioned his story.
—Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call sheriff’s investigators at 858-285‑6330 or 858-868‑3200 if calling after hours.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Those statements included details that only someone involved in the killing would know, investigators said.
—Emerson Clarridge
updated March 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2026
Authorities noted that while the investigation is in its early stages, investigators believe the building was at over capacity before the floor collapsed.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
The human resources department cited telehealth providers, investigators and inspectors as examples of employees who fit into this exception.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
On June 5, 2023, investigators said Bell got into an argument with a 39-year-old male co-worker after his shift at the Tropicana plant in Bradenton.
—Michael Moore Jr., Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
Citing investigators, Kyodo News reported that both the influencer and the suspect had already spoken with police outside of Tokyo regarding the dispute.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Quinn says investigators questioned his story.
—Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call sheriff’s investigators at 858-285‑6330 or 858-868‑3200 if calling after hours.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Those statements included details that only someone involved in the killing would know, investigators said.
—Emerson Clarridge
updated March 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2026
Authorities noted that while the investigation is in its early stages, investigators believe the building was at over capacity before the floor collapsed.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
The human resources department cited telehealth providers, investigators and inspectors as examples of employees who fit into this exception.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
On June 5, 2023, investigators said Bell got into an argument with a 39-year-old male co-worker after his shift at the Tropicana plant in Bradenton.
—Michael Moore Jr., Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
Citing investigators, Kyodo News reported that both the influencer and the suspect had already spoken with police outside of Tokyo regarding the dispute.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigators
Noun
-
In 2017, Abbott exchanged a series of messages with researchers at the Johns Hopkins University about a study on how the composition of infant formula might affect NEC in mice.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Cybersecurity researchers at Halcyon recently published the findings of another recent cyberattack targeting a health care company.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Homicide detectives are investigating the incident as a drive-by shooting, police said.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Wentworth Area detectives were investigating.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigators. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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