gumshoes

noun

plural of gumshoe
as in detectives
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons the couple paid a gumshoe to look for their missing son

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gumshoes It’s been a decent summer so far for plucky British gumshoes. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 30 June 2026 Chris Columbus, director of Home Alone and the first two Harry Potter films, helms the comedic caper, which follows an amiable gang of gumshoes who spend their golden years investigating cold cases. — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gumshoes
  1. detectives
  2. investigators
Noun
  • 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
Definition of detectives
Noun
  • The courtroom then heard recordings of Colt’s interview with investigators less than an hour after the shooting.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Authorities in California are searching for two 9-year-old children who investigators say were abducted by their father this week, warning there is concern for their well-being.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of investigators

Browse Nearby Words

gumshoe
gumshoes
gums (up)
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Cite this Entry

“Gumshoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gumshoes. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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