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

Based on witness statements, detectives identified the suspect as 35-year-old Salvador Villalaz, the Sheriff’s Office said. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026

The police car, a silver Ford Taurus used by the investigation division, contained two Oakland police homicide detectives who were able to continue their shift after the crash, authorities said. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 5 July 2026

Police ask any witnesses who were not contacted by authorities at the scene to contact detectives at [phone]. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Based on that ruling and their investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Sutphin with murder, the police said. — Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 3 July 2026

Police said there were no signs of trauma or foul play and homicide detectives are investigating. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026

On June 12, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Pollock on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, police said. — Sofia Saric june 23, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026

Thompson said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact KCPD homicide unit detectives at 816-234-5043, or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477. — Kendrick Calfee june 24, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026

An investigation led detectives to obtain search warrants for two other homes on Emily Lane, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026