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
In a missing persons poster provided by the sheriff's office, investigators wrote that the family had rented a 2024 white BMW with California license plate number 9KHN768.
—
Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
The government's own investigators have repeatedly found serious problems in immigration detention centers around the country.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025
What's particularly troubling is how quickly investigators accepted the facial recognition result without pursuing basic corroborating evidence that would have immediately cleared the defendant.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Young Park and all roadways leading to the park are temporarily closed while investigators conduct their work.
—Jon Haworth, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
The government's own investigators have repeatedly found serious problems in immigration detention centers around the country.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025
What's particularly troubling is how quickly investigators accepted the facial recognition result without pursuing basic corroborating evidence that would have immediately cleared the defendant.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Young Park and all roadways leading to the park are temporarily closed while investigators conduct their work.
—Jon Haworth, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for investigator
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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