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Definitions

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.

Halladay's next step is to investigate astrocytes throughout the broader network involved in fear.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Police chief Chris Balmer has been tasked with leading the new initiative to help forces investigate and tackle "anti-democratic crimes".

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

“It affirms what our communities have always known: You cannot investigate injustice without the power to uncover the truth,” Eke said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The court can investigate this and other missile strikes in what it regards as Palestinian territory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

In the early 1920s, Griffith, a medical officer at the British Ministry of Health, began to investigate a bacterium named Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.