as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons
the retired policeman decided to become a private investigator
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of private investigator
Nold, who was with the family during the viewing, said the video confirmed the information gathered from multiple witnesses interviewed by her private investigator.
—
Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Speedman plays a former newspaper photographer and ex-con who has decided to forge a new path as a private investigator.
—ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
This is not the only pilot about a private investigator presently in the works at NBC.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026
The show follows a private investigator, Rapp (Reid), according to the show’s synopsis.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for private investigator
Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Speedman plays a former newspaper photographer and ex-con who has decided to forge a new path as a private investigator.
—ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
This is not the only pilot about a private investigator presently in the works at NBC.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026
The show follows a private investigator, Rapp (Reid), according to the show’s synopsis.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for private investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private investigator
Noun
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The detective recalled a 2023 killing in North Hollywood that started when a pedestrian carrying grocery bags got into an argument with a motorist whose truck blocked the sidewalk.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call KCPD homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Between February 27 and March 2, the investigators found and arrested four suspects.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
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In plain terms, investigators have been told to file paperwork and wait in line.—
Vaughn Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Filming is underway in Serbia on the final six episodes to wrap up the story of Eliza Scarlet, Victorian London’s first female private detective.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
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When his teams didn’t entertain, Moe became the show, this cursing, grumbling, rumpled 6-foot-5 firebrand who dressed like a ’70s private detective, a disheveled anti-hero who detested suits.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Inspired by her father’s work as a private eye, Eliza (Phillips) has spent the last six seasons breaking the glass ceiling while solving countless mysteries.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
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Princess Lilibet and her brother, Prince Archie, 6, are often kept out of the private eye by their parents, but the siblings have recently been featured in a number of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's photos — and some of their philanthropic work.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Private investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20investigator. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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