Synonyms of detective

detective

noun

as in investigator

a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons

the code used by the serial killer in his letters to the police was actually cracked by an amateur detective

Synonyms & Similar Words

• investigator
• operative
• sleuth
• dick
• gumshoe
• private investigator
• private detective
• private eye
• shamus
• sherlock
• sleuthhound
• tracer
• tracker
• hawkshaw
• Federal
• tail
• narc
• plainclothesman
• fed
• shadow
• G-man

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detective

This investigation has been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts and forensic experts, working on multiple lines of inquiry, which has resulted in this very serious charge. — Tyler Speicher, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The prosecutor then showed the jury Daniela’s shirt, which the detective said was stained by brown decomposition fluid, and Julia’s clothing, including her underwear soaked in blood. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Ross, 50, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, voluntarily surrendered to detectives at Miami Beach Police headquarters. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2026

After reviewing multiple subpoenas, detectives determined McVay was allegedly using the victim’s bank account to pay her own credit card bills and make other purchases. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing detective

• private detective