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

Lady criminals take advantage of this illegibility for their own gain—unlike lady detectives, who are preoccupied with solving crimes, helping others, and restoring justice. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

However, detectives would slowly build overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the warrant reads. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Burke’s cellphone lock screen was a picture of the pair, topless, locked in an embrace, the detective said. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

The investigation is being handled by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Homicide Bureau; detectives with the bureau recovered Levi’s cellphone and bag after his fatal fall. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Phrases Containing detective

• private detective