as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons
unable to get the interest of the police, they hired a private eye to find their missing daughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of private eye
Levitt stars in Killer Heat as Nick Bali, a private eye who travels to the Greek island of Crete to investigate the death of shipping magnate Leo Vardakis (Richard Madden), who plunged to his death during a free solo rock climb.
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Tim Lammers, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
The film closes with Stephanie thriving as a successful vlogger and part-time private eye while Emily, ever the con artist, adjusts to life in prison.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Continue reading … DARK WATERS – Natalee Holloway private eye's stark warning after another American student goes missing.
—Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025
These private eyes spy on children in order to determine who is or isn’t living within the district’s strict attendance boundaries.
—Tim Deroche, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for private eye
Tim Lammers, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
The film closes with Stephanie thriving as a successful vlogger and part-time private eye while Emily, ever the con artist, adjusts to life in prison.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Continue reading … DARK WATERS – Natalee Holloway private eye's stark warning after another American student goes missing.
—Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025
These private eyes spy on children in order to determine who is or isn’t living within the district’s strict attendance boundaries.
—Tim Deroche, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for private eye
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private eye
Noun
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No arrests had been made as an investigation by Calumet Area detectives was underway.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
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While Murray denied any wrongdoing, he was interviewed by LAPD detectives and his clinic in Texas was searched as part of the ongoing investigation, Murray's lawyer said in a statement.—
Alex Gurley,
People.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Fishy past Two decades ago, federal investigators alleged Marky’s was one of those companies caught in black market dealings.—
Kylie Williams,
Miami Herald,
29 June 2025
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State and city fire investigators say the Saddleridge fire began under one of those towers.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
Noun
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The Italian Ferretti Group was the setting for a spy-vs-spy scenario that reportedly included private detectives shadowing an executive of the Italian builder’s primary Chinese investor and recording devices hidden in several offices, according to Bloomberg.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
9 June 2025
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As a new teaser trailer from Netflix reveals, the private detective is facing his most dangerous case yet.—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Sheriff Steve Page was also there — and so was a private investigator.—
Dateline NBC,
NBC news,
25 June 2025
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In addition, a private investigator who worked on behalf of Goncalves’ parents told them that the DoorDash driver was female, Steve Goncalves, the victim’s father, told the Statesman in a text message Monday.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Private eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20eye. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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