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
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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
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Recent Examples of investigator
Maya Lau, an investigative journalist and financial investigator, hosts the podcast.
—
Anne Easton, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
But in Hartig’s formal response posted to the body’s website on Wednesday, July 9, Hartig revealed her own bevy of concerns with judicial investigators and county prosecutors alike.
—Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
The onsite manager told the investigator that management was already scheduled to look into the problems with mold and water getting into the unit, but the investigator issued a notice of violation that required the door to be sealed and secured within 30 days, Campbell wrote.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
Fishy past Two decades ago, federal investigators alleged Marky’s was one of those companies caught in black market dealings.
—Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Anne Easton, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
But in Hartig’s formal response posted to the body’s website on Wednesday, July 9, Hartig revealed her own bevy of concerns with judicial investigators and county prosecutors alike.
—Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
The onsite manager told the investigator that management was already scheduled to look into the problems with mold and water getting into the unit, but the investigator issued a notice of violation that required the door to be sealed and secured within 30 days, Campbell wrote.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
Fishy past Two decades ago, federal investigators alleged Marky’s was one of those companies caught in black market dealings.
—Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigator
detective
Noun
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The victim’s relatives showed detectives a photo of Ackerman and the victim in the same area the victim’s body had been located, according to an affidavit.—
Caroline Zimmerman
July 7,
Kansas City Star,
8 July 2025
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Meanwhile, back at the Marine Mammal Care Center, the scientific detective work is about to begin.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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