investigators

Definition of investigatorsnext
plural of investigator
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

Relevance
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

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 investigators At the time, federal investigators in Boston were heavily focused on violent crime, drug trafficking and organized crime cases. ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026 According to Diane, at the time of Denise’s disappearance, investigators searched fields and open land for any sign of her, but nothing was ever recovered. Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026 The armed assailant, who investigators believe was staying at the Washington Hilton where the dinner was being held, ran past a security checkpoint before being apprehended after a brief pursuit that included gunfire. Josh Wingrove, Bloomberg, 26 Apr. 2026 According to Variety, the film was set to address Chandler’s allegations directly, with a scene of investigators searching Jackson’s Neverland Ranch for evidence. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026 Federal agents have also interviewed Allen’s sister in Maryland, who told investigators her brother had legally purchased several weapons from a California gun store and stored them at their parents’ home in Torrance without their knowledge, according to the official. Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 Blanche also said Sunday morning that investigators have been looking at Allen's electronic devices and talking to people who know him. Ryan Lucas, NPR, 26 Apr. 2026 Surveillance cameras and license plate readers are commonly used by investigators and have rarely been challenged. Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026 The chase began Thursday night when troopers attempted to stop a Range Rover on Peachtree Road in Buckhead, according to investigators. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigators
Noun
  • Additionally researchers are working on advanced blood tests that could look for hallmarks of the disease.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 2 May 2026
  • The evaluation covered March 2023 through December 2025 and drew on administrative data and interviews with participants and staff, though researchers said the findings show associations and do not establish cause and effect.
    City News Service, Daily News, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Execution-style murder Within weeks, detectives arrested Jackson, a neighbor whose fingerprints and DNA were found inside the home, according to authorities.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Following his court appearance, Evanston police detectives later took Lee into custody in connection with the Mason Park shooting, according to the report.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigators. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on investigators

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster