as in inquiry
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something
officials launched an extensive investigation of the plane crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of investigation
Detectives from the Police Department’s Major Collision Investigation Unit responded to take over the investigation, but the circumstances of the crash remained under investigation.
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Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Crime in Anne Arundel County Saturday's shooting initiated Anne Arundel County's first homicide investigation of 2026.
—Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Following skepticism around Noem’s characterization of Good’s death, local officials have called for an investigation.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
The investigation is still ongoing and faces an uncertain future.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
Oregon launches own investigation into shooting The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting the FBI in its investigation, the agency said.
—Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Minnesota authorities said Thursday that the FBI, headed by MAGA loyalist Kash Patel, would take charge of the investigation into Wednesday’s shooting.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
The Sheriff's Office said the case is still active and an investigation in conjunction with the South Carolina Highway Patrol is ongoing.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for investigation
Noun
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The commission primarily opens inquiries in response to tips – and bigger investigations can often take years to complete.—
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Gemini will assess people’s purchasing intent — for example an inquiry about removing a wine stain out of a rug could lead to links for related products sold at Walmart.—
Noun
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The examination of the past all feels pretty surface-level.—
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After an examination of her records, the election board said 188 of Walker Thomas’ petition signatures were invalid, which brought her total number of valid signatures to 445, below the minimum 500 signatures required to run.—
Noun
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Seven miles of nature trails invite exploration on foot or by bike, while 70 acres of canals and lakes are easily navigated in a kayak or atop a paddleboard.—
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The United States is also spearheading an initiative called the Artemis Accords, which seeks to establish a set of norms for safe, sustainable and peaceful space exploration.—
Noun
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And more than half of North Carolina’s caregivers also work, according to the AARP study.—
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Some clinical studies have found a link between their use and hyperactivity in children.—
Noun
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The Justice Department has blocked state investigators from participating in the probe.—
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To check the doneness of your pork without constantly lifting the lid (and letting heat escape), use a probe thermometer with a digital display.—
Noun
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The Algerian is equally capable of tucking into midfield, running the flanks, playing probing passes from a wide-centre-back role or making darting movements towards goal.—
Noun
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However, the research conducted during this period left a legacy that space agencies continue to follow today.—
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While many parents may assume that helping their kids specialize early in life prepares them for successful careers, the latest research suggests otherwise.—
Cite this Entry
“Investigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/investigation. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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