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.

State legislative panels convened to investigate the allegations also fizzled out after they were unable to substantiate such claims.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

Pine said that once the city attorney’s office realized its file-sharing system was compromised, it “took immediate steps to secure the tool and investigate what information was accessed.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

So Ackman installed his nephew, whom he’d previously stationed at a British watchmaker he controls, to investigate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

To investigate this question, a research team from Kyoto University and RIKEN, led by Osamu Takeuchi and Takuhiro Ito, carried out a series of experiments aimed at uncovering how cells handle codon efficiency.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

Every day after school this week, Anastasia and I have gone out to investigate “possibilities,” as she calls them.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper

Vocabulary lists containing investigate

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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List 8

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Word Generation Science - Preparing a Scientific Investigation

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