investigate

[in-ves-ti-geyt] / ɪnˈvɛs tɪˌgeɪt /

VERB

check into thoroughly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

consider examine explore inspect interrogate probe question review scrutinize search study

STRONG

bug case delve dig eyeball frisk inquire muckrake poke prospect pry read reconnoiter research scout sift spy tap wiretap

WEAK

be all ears check out check over check up feel out give the once-over go into inquisite listen in look into look over make inquiry nose around put to the test run down stake out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

answer forget ignore neglect reply

STRONG

leave alone overlook

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But Mejia said that with just five investigators, it’s “next to impossible” to investigate all of the 700 waste, fraud and abuse claims his office receives each year.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The department archived and later restored mention of a policy that said the government can’t investigate individuals lawfully protesting government activities.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

The Labour government recently announced it would give councils new powers to force fly tippers to clean up waste they have dumped, and would give the Environment Agency police-style powers to investigate major waste sites.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

"In this article, we investigate the possibility of gravitational waves -- which are believed to have been ubiquitous in the early universe -- being partially converted into dark matter particles," Kopp explained.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

On June 4, 1850, just a few days after the Fox sisters’ arrival, Greeley spontaneously invited a friend and turned up at Barnum’s Hotel to investigate this new idea of spirit communication.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Vocabulary lists containing investigate

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List 8

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Word Generation Science - Preparing a Scientific Investigation

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