private investigators

noun

plural of private investigator
as in detectives
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons the retired policeman decided to become a private investigator

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 investigators 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 In an interview with a neighbor, the private investigators learned that there was a cargo van outside the house at the time. — Jeremy Greenberg, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Priestley and Sampson are reprising their roles as private investigators Matt Shade and Angie Everett. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 The series sees Jason Priestley and Cindy Sampson reprise their roles as private investigators Matt Shade and Angie Everett. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 The Dink star’s new series costars Keith David, Langston Kerman, and Mary Shalaby in a comedy about private investigators working in Los Angeles. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026 Harry and the six other high-profile claimants failed to prove their allegations that the publisher unlawfully obtained private information through methods including private investigators, deception, phone hacking and corrupt payments. — Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 Depending on the circumstances, this may include private investigators, attorneys, cybersecurity professionals, exchanges, regulators or law enforcement agencies. — Jon Stojan june 23, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private investigators
  1. detectives
  2. investigators
  3. private detectives
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

Browse Nearby Words

private investigator
private investigators
privately
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Cite this Entry

“Private investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20investigators. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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