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

Homicide detectives are working to determine what led up to the killing. — Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

Police said gang-unit detectives are investigating the shooting. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2026

On Thursday evening, detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Task Force conducted a compliance check at Edwards’ registered address in Gold River, authorities said. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

She was promoted to the chief of detectives, overseeing criminal investigations; during that time, a historic drop in crime and stellar clearance rates were recorded. — Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Later, on Friday, detectives carried out a search warrant on a vehicle and discovered garbage bags in the vehicle's trunk, police said in a news release Friday providing an update on the case. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026

Cold case detectives eventually identified Jill Maiorca’s former husband, Jeff Maiorca, as a suspect in her murder. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2026

In January, detectives seized several items during a search of Oak Park Station, including a vehicle, a motorcycle, and some electronic devices. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026

After looking into his relatives, detectives learned of Stephens, who police suspected was the rapist. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026