research synonym

US:USA pronunciation: respellingUSA pronunciation: respelling(ri sûrch , rē sûrch)

Translations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

research synonyms

• composition
• acrimonious
• shortsighted

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Synonyms for research

• investigation
• examination
• exploration
• experimentation
• fact-finding
• investigate
• make inquiries
• consult the archives

a seeking of knowledge, data, or the truth about something

• inquisition

systematic investigation to establish facts

Related words.

• investigating
• operations research
• market research
• marketing research
• research project
• scientific research

a search for knowledge

• problem solving
• nature study
• empirical research
• opinion poll
• public opinion poll

attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner

Inquire into.

• cast around
• res adjudicata
• res ipsa loquitur
• res judicata
• res publica
• rescindable
• rescue equipment
• rescue operation
• rescue party
• research center
• research colloquium
• research director
• research facility
• research lab
• research laboratory
• research rocket
• research staff
• research worker
• Reseda luteola
• Reseda odorata
• resemblance
• re-sentencing
• Rescuscitator
• resealing pressure
• resealing trap
• Research & Acquisition Communications Division
• Research & Analysis Wing
• Research & development
• Research & Development 1
• Research & Development 2
• Research & Development Cost
• Research & Development Costs
• Research & Development Electronic Security
• Research & Development Engineering
• Research & Development Objectives
• Research & Development Obligation Phasing Plan
• Research & Development Planning Summary
• Research & Educational Planning Center
• Research & Engineering
• Research & Innovation
• Research & Planning
• Research & Reconnaissance
• Research & Technology
• Research & Technology Laboratories
• Research & Technology Organization
• Research & Technology Work Unit Information System
• Research Abroad Program
• Research Academic Computer Technology Institute
• Research Academies for Young Scientists
• Research Access Incorporated
• Research Across America
• Research across the Curriculum
• Facebook Share

Look up a word, learn it forever.

Other forms: researches; researching; researched

In their spare time, teenagers LOVE doing extra research , by investigating the facts of a certain subject and studying and recording what they learn. And if you believe that, you need to do more research on the habits of teenagers.

Research comes from the Old French word recercher , meaning "seek out," or "search closely." When you do research, you are searching for knowledge and facts. Although you write plenty of research papers in college, on anything from the Industrial Revolution to the meaning behind a fur-lined teacup, the term is often used when talking about science, because scientists use step-by-step research to prove what is true, or not true, in their line of work.

• noun a search for knowledge “their pottery deserves more research than it has received” synonyms: enquiry , inquiry see more see less types: show 11 types... hide 11 types... nature study the study of animals and plants in the natural world (usually at an elementary level) experiment , experimentation the testing of an idea empirical research an empirical search for knowledge investigation , probe an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities canvass , opinion poll , poll , public opinion poll , survey an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people heraldry the study and classification of armorial bearings and the tracing of genealogies pilot experiment a preliminary experiment whose outcome can lead to a more extensive experiment test , trial , trial run , tryout trying something to find out about it fishing expedition an investigation undertaken in the hope (but not the stated purpose) of discovering information exit poll a poll of voters as they leave the voting place; usually taken by news media in order to predict the outcome of an election straw poll , straw vote an unofficial vote taken to determine opinion on some issue type of: problem solving the thought processes involved in solving a problem
• noun systematic investigation to establish facts see more see less types: show 15 types... hide 15 types... operations research research designed to determine most efficient way to do something field work an investigation carried out in the field rather than in a laboratory or headquarters market research , marketing research research that gathers and analyzes information about the moving of good or services from producer to consumer microscopy research with the use of microscopes probe an investigation conducted using a flexible surgical instrument to explore an injury or a body cavity research project , scientific research research into questions posed by scientific theories and hypotheses big science scientific research that requires massive capital investment but is expected to yield very significant results biological research scientific research conducted by biologists experiment , experimentation the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation market analysis marketing research that yields information about the marketplace product research marketing research that yields information about desired characteristics of the product or service consumer research marketing research that yields information about the motives and needs of different classes of consumers electron microscopy microscopy with the use of electron microscopes dark field illumination , dark ground illumination a form of microscopic examination of living material by scattered light; specimens appear luminous against a dark background fluorescence microscopy light microscopy in which the specimen is irradiated at wavelengths that excite fluorochromes type of: investigating , investigation the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
• verb inquire into “the students had to research the history of the Second World War for their history project” synonyms: delve , explore , search see more see less types: show 5 types... hide 5 types... prospect explore for useful or valuable things or substances, such as minerals google search the internet (for information) using the Google search engine mapquest search for a location and directions by means of the MapQuest program re-explore explore anew beat about , cast about , cast around search anxiously type of: investigate , look into investigate scientifically
• verb attempt to find out in a systematic and scientific manner “The student researched the history of that word” see more see less types: consult , look up , refer seek information from type of: investigate , look into investigate scientifically

Vocabulary lists containing research

To improve your fluency in English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR), learn this academic vocabulary list that includes words selected from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state standards.

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Research synonyms

What is another word for research .

• investigation inquiry, event
• inquiry investigation, event
• explore investigate, examine
• probe investigate, examine
• study investigate, investigation
• exploration investigation, study
• examine investigate
• investigate examine
• search event, hunt
• examination investigation, inquiry
• scrutiny investigation, study
• analysis study, examination
• scrutinize investigate, examine
• inquest inquiry, examination
• look into examine
• experiment experimentation
• inquisition inquiry, examination
• survey study
• experimentation examination, experiments
• check examination, scrutiny
• inspection inquiry
• fact-finding
• inquire into
• delve into study

• ABBREVIATIONS
• BIOGRAPHIES
• CALCULATORS
• CONVERSIONS
• DEFINITIONS

  Vocabulary      

What is another word for research ?

Synonyms for research rɪˈsɜrtʃ, ˈri sɜrtʃ re·search, this thesaurus page includes all potential synonyms, words with the same meaning and similar terms for the word research ., wiktionary rate these synonyms: 2.0 / 7 votes.

research noun

Synonyms: investigation , exploration , examination , study , researches , inquiry , scrutiny

To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.

Synonyms: investigation , researches , exploration , examination , study , inquiry , scrutiny

• research verb

To make an extensive investigation into.

Synonyms: scrutiny , examination , study , inquiry , investigation , exploration , researches

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms Rate these synonyms: 3.7 / 3 votes

Synonyms: investigation , inquiry , scrutiny , examination , exploration , learning , lore , discovery , elaboration , elimination

Antonyms: ignorance , superficiality , sciolism , misinvestigation , shallowness , oversight , inobservance

Princeton's WordNet Rate these synonyms: 1.8 / 5 votes

systematic investigation to establish facts

Synonyms: enquiry , inquiry

inquiry, enquiry, research verb

a search for knowledge

"their pottery deserves more research than it has received"

Synonyms: enquiry , inquiry , interrogation , query , question

attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner

"The student researched the history of that word"

Synonyms: search , explore

research, search, explore verb

inquire into

"the students had to research the history of the Second World War for their history project"; "He searched for information on his relatives on the web"; "Scientists are exploring the nature of consciousness"

Synonyms: seek , search , explore , look , look for

Matched Categories

• Investigate
• Investigation

Dictionary of English Synonymes Rate these synonyms: 3.0 / 2 votes

Synonyms: investigation , inquiry , scrutiny , examination , exploration , study , careful search

PPDB, the paraphrase database Rate these paraphrases: 0.0 / 0 votes

List of paraphrases for "research":

search , investigation , study , investigations , recherche , studies , inquiry , searches , searching , researches , investigative , recherches , researching , investigational , researchers , quest , ricerca , r , investigación , studying , finding , investigaciones , forschung , looking , retrieval , fact-finding , researcher , investigatorship , investigate , enquiry , seeking , pursuit , investigating , pesquisa , studied , examine , onderzoek , investigatory , research-based , inquiries

How to pronounce research?

How to say research in sign language, usage in printed sources from:  .

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use research in a sentence?

I appreciate you dumping your oppo research folder on the debate stage.

Arthur Kipferler :

If you want a business, I think you need to go where it's easier, do it fairly quickly and then scale up, learn, and go to the next level of difficulty, if you're in it for the research side then test it in central London or Mumbai or Delhi - and you will never have a commercial service but you will have the research.

Tracey Sutton :

Every time we go out on a deep-sea research excursion there's a good chance we'll see something we've never seen before -- the life at these depths is really amazing.

Gerald Brandacher :

All the research that we have done and all the experience that we have from our urology colleagues clearly indicates that he will regain full function of the penis with regard to urination... to have an erection and to have intercourse.

Maxime Aubert :

To me, the most fascinating aspect of our research is that humanity's oldest cave art is at least 44,000 years old and it already has all the key components relating to modern cognition, [ like ] hand stencils, figurative art, storytelling, therianthropes and religious thinking, so it must have a much older origin, possibly in Africa or soon after we left Africa.

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• research center noun
• research colloquium noun
• research director noun
• research facility noun
• research lab noun

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50 Useful Academic Words & Phrases for Research

Like all good writing, writing an academic paper takes a certain level of skill to express your ideas and arguments in a way that is natural and that meets a level of academic sophistication. The terms, expressions, and phrases you use in your research paper must be of an appropriate level to be submitted to academic journals.

Therefore, authors need to know which verbs , nouns , and phrases to apply to create a paper that is not only easy to understand, but which conveys an understanding of academic conventions. Using the correct terminology and usage shows journal editors and fellow researchers that you are a competent writer and thinker, while using non-academic language might make them question your writing ability, as well as your critical reasoning skills.

What are academic words and phrases?

One way to understand what constitutes good academic writing is to read a lot of published research to find patterns of usage in different contexts. However, it may take an author countless hours of reading and might not be the most helpful advice when faced with an upcoming deadline on a manuscript draft.

Briefly, “academic” language includes terms, phrases, expressions, transitions, and sometimes symbols and abbreviations that help the pieces of an academic text fit together. When writing an academic text–whether it is a book report, annotated bibliography, research paper, research poster, lab report, research proposal, thesis, or manuscript for publication–authors must follow academic writing conventions. You can often find handy academic writing tips and guidelines by consulting the style manual of the text you are writing (i.e., APA Style , MLA Style , or Chicago Style ).

However, sometimes it can be helpful to have a list of academic words and expressions like the ones in this article to use as a “cheat sheet” for substituting the better term in a given context.

How to Choose the Best Academic Terms

You can think of writing “academically” as writing in a way that conveys one’s meaning effectively but concisely. For instance, while the term “take a look at” is a perfectly fine way to express an action in everyday English, a term like “analyze” would certainly be more suitable in most academic contexts. It takes up fewer words on the page and is used much more often in published academic papers.

You can use one handy guideline when choosing the most academic term: When faced with a choice between two different terms, use the Latinate version of the term. Here is a brief list of common verbs versus their academic counterparts:

Although this can be a useful tip to help academic authors, it can be difficult to memorize dozens of Latinate verbs. Using an AI paraphrasing tool or proofreading tool can help you instantly find more appropriate academic terms, so consider using such revision tools while you draft to improve your writing.

Top 50 Words and Phrases for Different Sections in a Research Paper

The “Latinate verb rule” is just one tool in your arsenal of academic writing, and there are many more out there. But to make the process of finding academic language a bit easier for you, we have compiled a list of 50 vital academic words and phrases, divided into specific categories and use cases, each with an explanation and contextual example.

Best Words and Phrases to use in an Introduction section

1. historically.

An adverb used to indicate a time perspective, especially when describing the background of a given topic.

2. In recent years

A temporal marker emphasizing recent developments, often used at the very beginning of your Introduction section.

3. It is widely acknowledged that

A “form phrase” indicating a broad consensus among researchers and/or the general public. Often used in the literature review section to build upon a foundation of established scientific knowledge.

4. There has been growing interest in

Highlights increasing attention to a topic and tells the reader why your study might be important to this field of research.

5. Preliminary observations indicate

Shares early insights or findings while hedging on making any definitive conclusions. Modal verbs like may , might , and could are often used with this expression.

6. This study aims to

Describes the goal of the research and is a form phrase very often used in the research objective or even the hypothesis of a research paper .

7. Despite its significance

Highlights the importance of a matter that might be overlooked. It is also frequently used in the rationale of the study section to show how your study’s aim and scope build on previous studies.

8. While numerous studies have focused on

Indicates the existing body of work on a topic while pointing to the shortcomings of certain aspects of that research. Helps focus the reader on the question, “What is missing from our knowledge of this topic?” This is often used alongside the statement of the problem in research papers.

9. The purpose of this research is

A form phrase that directly states the aim of the study.

10. The question arises (about/whether)

Poses a query or research problem statement for the reader to acknowledge.

Best Words and Phrases for Clarifying Information

11. in other words.

Introduces a synopsis or the rephrasing of a statement for clarity. This is often used in the Discussion section statement to explain the implications of the study .

12. That is to say

Provides clarification, similar to “in other words.”

13. To put it simply

Simplifies a complex idea, often for a more general readership.

14. To clarify

Specifically indicates to the reader a direct elaboration of a previous point.

15. More specifically

Narrows down a general statement from a broader one. Often used in the Discussion section to clarify the meaning of a specific result.

16. To elaborate

Expands on a point made previously.

17. In detail

Indicates a deeper dive into information.

Points out specifics. Similar meaning to “specifically” or “especially.”

19. This means that

Explains implications and/or interprets the meaning of the Results section .

20. Moreover

Expands a prior point to a broader one that shows the greater context or wider argument.

Best Words and Phrases for Giving Examples

21. for instance.

Provides a specific case that fits into the point being made.

22. As an illustration

Demonstrates a point in full or in part.

23. To illustrate

Shows a clear picture of the point being made.

24. For example

Presents a particular instance. Same meaning as “for instance.”

25. Such as

Lists specifics that comprise a broader category or assertion being made.

26. Including

Offers examples as part of a larger list.

27. Notably

Adverb highlighting an important example. Similar meaning to “especially.”

28. Especially

Adverb that emphasizes a significant instance.

29. In particular

Draws attention to a specific point.

30. To name a few

Indicates examples than previously mentioned are about to be named.

Best Words and Phrases for Comparing and Contrasting

31. however.

Introduces a contrasting idea.

32. On the other hand

Highlights an alternative view or fact.

33. Conversely

Indicates an opposing or reversed idea to the one just mentioned.

34. Similarly

Shows likeness or parallels between two ideas, objects, or situations.

35. Likewise

Indicates agreement with a previous point.

36. In contrast

Draws a distinction between two points.

37. Nevertheless

Introduces a contrasting point, despite what has been said.

38. Whereas

Compares two distinct entities or ideas.

Indicates a contrast between two points.

Signals an unexpected contrast.

Best Words and Phrases to use in a Conclusion section

41. in conclusion.

Signifies the beginning of the closing argument.

42. To sum up

Offers a brief summary.

43. In summary

Signals a concise recap.

44. Ultimately

Reflects the final or main point.

45. Overall

Gives a general concluding statement.

Indicates a resulting conclusion.

Demonstrates a logical conclusion.

48. Therefore

Connects a cause and its effect.

49. It can be concluded that

Clearly states a conclusion derived from the data.

50. Taking everything into consideration

Reflects on all the discussed points before concluding.

Edit Your Research Terms and Phrases Before Submission

Using these phrases in the proper places in your research papers can enhance the clarity, flow, and persuasiveness of your writing, especially in the Introduction section and Discussion section, which together make up the majority of your paper’s text in most academic domains.

However, it's vital to ensure each phrase is contextually appropriate to avoid redundancy or misinterpretation. As mentioned at the top of this article, the best way to do this is to 1) use an AI text editor , free AI paraphrase tool or AI proofreading tool while you draft to enhance your writing, and 2) consult a professional proofreading service like Wordvice, which has human editors well versed in the terminology and conventions of the specific subject area of your academic documents.

For more detailed information on using AI tools to write a research paper and the best AI tools for research , check out the Wordvice AI Blog .

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[ ri- surch , ree -surch ]

recent research in medicine.

Synonyms: study , scrutiny

• a particular instance or piece of research.

verb (used without object)

• to make researches; investigate carefully.

verb (used with object)

to research a matter thoroughly.

Synonyms: scrutinize , examine , inquire , study

/ ˈriːsɜːtʃ; rɪˈsɜːtʃ /

• systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject
• to carry out investigations into (a subject, problem, etc)

Derived Forms

• reˈsearcher , noun
• reˈsearchable , adjective

Other Words From

• re·searcha·ble adjective
• re·searcher re·searchist noun
• prore·search adjective
• under·re·search verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of research 1

Synonym Study

Example sentences.

The duo spent the first year in research and engaging with farmers.

Dan Finn-Foley, head of energy storage at energy research firm Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, compared Google’s plan to ordering eggs for breakfast.

Users will give Deep Longevity the right to conduct anonymized research using their data as part of the app’s terms and conditions, Zhavoronkov said.

There’s also the Wilhelm Reich Museum, located at “Orgonon” in Rangeley, Maine, which was previously Reich’s estate—where he conducted questionable orgone research in the later years of his career.

When we started doing research on these topics, we were too focused on political institutions.

Have you tried to access the research that your tax dollars finance, almost all of which is kept behind a paywall?

Have a look at this telling research from Pew on blasphemy and apostasy laws around the world.

And Epstein continues to steer money toward universities to advance scientific research.

The research literature, too, asks these questions, and not without reason.

We also have a growing body of biological research showing that fathers, like mothers, are hard-wired to care for children.

We find by research that smoking was the most general mode of using tobacco in England when first introduced.

This class is composed frequently of persons of considerable learning, research and intelligence.

Speaking from recollection, it appears to be a work of some research; but I cannot say how far it is to be relied on.

Thomas Pope Blount died; an eminent English writer and a man of great learning and research.

That was long before invention became a research department full of engineers.

Related Words

• exploration
• investigation

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adjective as in investigated

Strong matches

• scrutinized
• cross-examined

Example Sentences

Nelson wrote a paper at Dartmouth on Standard Oil, which was about as defensive and as deeply researched as you would expect.

“Each room has a well-researched story behind it,” Harlacher, a native New Yorker, said.

They choose herbal remedies instead of well-researched medications and operations to treat serious illnesses like cancer.

Wall Street Journal: “[D]eeply researched and totally absorbing[.]”

Newsday: “Thoroughly researched, written with intelligence, sympathy and grace, it is a model of first-rate literary biography.”

As it was, Brennan was unsure of his legal rights, and he could not plan until he had researched the problem most thoroughly.

We had our antiquarian papers of lore and researched history in exercise-books, rolled up and tied with string.

Dagobert searched and researched every article—peeped into all the corners of the portmanteau—still nothing!

Sequential Problem Solving is about finding alternative solutions to problems and executing well researched plans.

He never researched, never revised, never even glanced at the copy.

Related Words

Words related to researched are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word researched . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adjective as in examined

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

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Definition of research

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of research  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

• disquisition
• examination
• exploration
• inquisition
• investigation
• delve (into)
• inquire (into)
• investigate
• look (into)

Examples of research in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'research.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle French recerche , from recercher to go about seeking, from Old French recerchier , from re- + cerchier, sercher to search — more at search

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 3

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing research

• marketing research
• market research
• operations research
• oppo research

research and development

• research park
• translational research

Dictionary Entries Near research

Cite this entry.

“Research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of research.

Kids Definition of research  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on research

Nglish: Translation of research for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of research for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about research

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research noun 1

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What does the noun research mean?

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun research , three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun research ?

How is the noun research pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun research come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun research is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for research is from 1577, in ‘F. de L'Isle’'s Legendarie .

research is apparently formed within English, by derivation; modelled on a French lexical item.

Etymons: re- prefix , search n.

Nearby entries

• rescuing, adj. 1574–
• resculpt, v. 1926–
• resculpting, n. 1940–
• rescussee, n. 1652–1823
• rescusser, n. 1632–1704
• rese, n. Old English–1600
• rese, v.¹ Old English–1450
• rese, v.² Old English–1582
• reseal, v. 1624–
• resealable, adj. 1926–
• research, n.¹ 1577–
• re-search, n.² 1605–
• research, v.¹ 1588–
• re-search, v.² 1708–
• researchable, adj. 1927–
• research and development, n. 1892–
• researched, adj. 1636–
• researcher, n. 1615–
• researchful, adj. a1834–
• research hospital, n. 1900–
• researching, n. 1611–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for research, n.¹.

research, n.¹ was revised in March 2010.

research, n.¹ was last modified in September 2024.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into research, n.¹ in September 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1906)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View research, n.¹ in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for research, n.¹, browse entry.

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of research in English

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• He has dedicated his life to scientific research.
• He emphasized that all the people taking part in the research were volunteers .
• The state of Michigan has endowed three institutes to do research for industry .
• I'd like to see the research that these recommendations are founded on.
• It took months of painstaking research to write the book .
• absorptive capacity
• dream something up
• ergonomically
• modularization
• nanotechnology
• testing ground
• the mother of something idiom
• think outside the box idiom
• think something up
• study What do you plan on studying in college?
• major US She majored in philosophy at Harvard.
• cram She's cramming for her history exam.
• revise UK I'm revising for tomorrow's test.
• review US We're going to review for the test tomorrow night.
• research Scientists are researching possible new treatments for cancer.
• The amount of time and money being spent on researching this disease is pitiful .
• We are researching the reproduction of elephants .
• She researched a wide variety of jobs before deciding on law .
• He researches heart disease .
• The internet has reduced the amount of time it takes to research these subjects .
• adjudication
• analytically
• have the measure of someone/something idiom
• interpretable
• interpretive
• reinspection
• reinterpret
• reinterpretation
• reinvestigate
• reinvestigation

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Related word

Research | intermediate english, research | business english, examples of research, collocations with research.

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Translations of research

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Word of the Day

detective work

the activity of searching for information about something, often over a long period

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