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
Examples 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
Federal investigators began looking into Jafari-Hassad’s operation in 2019.
—
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, investigators are still learning more about the suspect through his writings and social media presence.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024
The investigation began when a friend of his reported to police that Tucker had been threatening to kill Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders and the female judge who presided over his 2019 felony arson trial, investigators said in a criminal complaint.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 29 Nov. 2024
After graduating from college in 1966, Mr. Abrahams became an insurance adjuster and investigator.
—Clay Risen, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for investigator 
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, investigators are still learning more about the suspect through his writings and social media presence.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024
The investigation began when a friend of his reported to police that Tucker had been threatening to kill Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders and the female judge who presided over his 2019 felony arson trial, investigators said in a criminal complaint.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 29 Nov. 2024
After graduating from college in 1966, Mr. Abrahams became an insurance adjuster and investigator.
—Clay Risen, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for investigator
Thesaurus Entries Near investigator
Cite this Entry
“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigator. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share