Synonyms of detectives

detectives

noun

plural of detective

as in investigators

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

• investigators
• operatives
• sleuths
• dicks
• gumshoes
• private investigators
• private detectives
• private eyes
• sleuthhounds
• sherlocks
• shadows
• tracers
• hawkshaws
• trackers
• shamuses
• plainclothesmen
• feds
• narcs
• Federals
• tails
• G-men

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detectives

This investigation remains active as detectives continue efforts to determine whether the juvenile or others may be connected to additional incidents. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026

The gun violence detectives are investigating the shooting, police said. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026

Investigators later located the woman, where detectives conducted a welfare check and confirmed her daughter was unharmed, according to the Chico Police Department. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Sheriff's detectives are investigating alongside arson investigators with the Michigan State Police. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

However, sheriff’s office detectives are investigating the circumstances of his death. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

In 2025, a psychic contacted the police department about Sophie’s case and shared information with detectives at no cost, Liening said. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Crime scene detectives were seen removing paper bags full of items from the apartment throughout the morning. — Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026

On Thursday, detectives called Wright and told her to go to the Florida City Police Department for an interview. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026