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

Ahn Bo-hyun returns as Jin Yi-soo, the carefree chaebol heir turned Violent Crimes detective—rejoining the unit after completing his formal police academy training. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

The Observer reached out to the responding detective for an update, and received no response. — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Thursday evening, medical staff notified detectives that the man died from his injuries. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

The notice of claim, which is a precursor to a possible lawsuit, is addressed to Sheriff Chris Nanos and a detective. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 31 July 2026

Phrases Containing detective

• private detective