Thesaurus results for PRIVATE EYES

private eyes

noun

plural of private eye

as in detectives

a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons unable to get the interest of the police, they hired a private eye to find their missing daughter

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 eyes The untitled half-hour project is a workplace comedy set in the world of private detectives, which continues the proud tradition of Los Angeles private eyes that began with Philip Marlowe and will end with this show. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for private eyes

Noun

Anyone with information is asked to call KCPD homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
Sheriff’s officials said the detectives later identified Morales Garcia, Farfan Ambriz and Medina as suspects in the homicide and obtained arrest warrants for them.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of detectives

Noun

The investigators notified the Mexican army, providing the license plate number.

— Steve Fisher Special Correspondent Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
This month, Philadelphia police and FBI investigators returned to the Horsch house, searching for any physical evidence that could confirm what the horrific images appear to show.

— Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigators

Noun

Meanwhile, private detectives probed Hadley’s vulnerabilities as a witness.

— Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
The trio took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles as part of a PaleyFest event commemorating five decades of Charlie's Angels, the groundbreaking ABC series that followed a group of female private detectives.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026

Definition of private detectives

Noun

During the test, two private investigators were hired to conduct surveillance on Hogan.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
At the news conference Monday, Khalil also accused the university of surveilling pro-Palestinian students and hiring private investigators to monitor him.

— Sudhin Thanawala, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026