PRIVATE DETECTIVE Synonyms: 22 Similar Words

private detective

noun

Definition of private detective

as in detective

a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons when the police insisted that it was an accident and not murder, she hired a private detective

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of private detective In the book, Liz’s private detective takes photos, which Liz cruelly passes on to Debbie. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Next month, Minotaur Books will publish the private detective mystery Killer Vibes by Jack Friday–or as readers will recognize him, John Fram. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The book introduced readers to Easy Rawlins, a private detective in mid-20th-century Watts who would go on to figure into more than 15 novels (and counting). — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2026 The stylistic eccentricities have been dialed back, including the use of old Hollywood film clips to reflect the action and possibly the thoughts of its main character, a cinephile from space, who is both practicing and enacting the work of a private detective. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for private detective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for private detective

Noun

Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators took over the investigation.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Eventually, the detectives find the three men and bring them to trial.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of detective

Noun

That’s how John Sugar goes from conscientious private eye to would-be assassin.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026
There are vivid characters—the rich, distinguished crook Brandon, the platinum-blond secretary Miss Vermilyea; Javonen, ex-military intelligence, and seedy private eye from Kansas, Noble, who might have lurched out of an early Graham Greene story.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Definition of private eye

Noun

However, when Pi-o’s private investigator gives Jeong-yo a recording of their conversation with one of Jeong-yo’s abductors, the truth wins out.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
His mother, Wendy O’Connor, filed a missing persons report, and Love hired a private investigator to locate the musician.

— Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of private investigator

Browse Nearby Words

private

private detective

private detectives

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“Private detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20detective. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of private detective

noun

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