as in detective
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
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Recent Examples of private investigator
First Brands implosion ‘not the last’ Industry insiders say the nature of certain private markets transactions means problems are becoming increasingly tricky to spot, despite more intensive levels of due diligence among investors, often involving private investigators.
—
Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Kate was also allegedly targeted by a private investigator on behalf of a Mail journalist, the lawyers said.
—Michael Holden, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
The network has given a series order to RJ Decker (a working title), starring Scott Speedman as a South Florida private investigator.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025
And so is Marty, who turns out to be Don’s private investigator.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for private investigator
Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Kate was also allegedly targeted by a private investigator on behalf of a Mail journalist, the lawyers said.
—Michael Holden, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
The network has given a series order to RJ Decker (a working title), starring Scott Speedman as a South Florida private investigator.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025
And so is Marty, who turns out to be Don’s private investigator.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for private investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private investigator
Noun
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The ongoing investigation is being led by Detective Travis Dalton, with assistance from other Post 4 detectives and troopers, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office and the Meade County Coroner’s Office.—
Lillian Metzmeier,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Nov. 2025
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Meanwhile, newlyweds Ivy and Potts adjust to married life, a new detective settles in at Scotland Yard, and Nash causes chaos, even from across the globe.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Dramatic body cam video shows a terrified boy was being held by the throat when his knife-wielding captor was killed by a deputy, the Florida investigators say.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
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But after further investigation, Smith said that detectives determined the pedestrian was hit by only one vehicle, and that driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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And while the chemistry in the show — which followed a former model (Shepherd) and a detective (Bruce) who manage a private detective agency — was undeniable, a feud was seemingly brewing behind the scenes.—
Abby Stern,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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Her super-powered private detective first appeared on Netflix's Jessica Jones — the streamer's second Marvel series after the original Daredevil — in 2015.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Thomas Pynchon's first novel in 12 years, Shadow Ticket, is a mystery that dives into the disappearance of a cheese heiress and draws private eye Hicks McTaggart down a rabbit hole.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
10 Oct. 2025
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One Battle, like his other recent movies, is based on a book by Thomas Pynchon, the James Joyce of private eye novelists.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Private investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20investigator. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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