as in detectives
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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Recent Examples of private investigators
Following her instincts, Sarah seeks out private investigators Zoë Boehm (Thompson) and her husband, Joe Silverman (Adam Godley).
—
Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
The insider also told THR that in the wake of the July docuseries, the Bradley family has hired private investigators with funds seemingly obtained as a result of the show.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
First Brands implosion ‘not the last’ Industry insiders say the nature of certain private markets transactions means problems are becoming increasingly tricky to spot, despite more intensive levels of due diligence among investors, often involving private investigators.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Many now have cameras, hire private investigators and offer cash rewards to try to catch the thieves.
—Nick Ferraro, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Many now have cameras, hire private investigators and offer cash rewards to try to catch the thieves.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
The suit also alleges that Fox News pressures its guests not to appear on Newsmax and has hired private investigators to target Newsmax executives in an effort to drag down the channel.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
The insider also told THR that in the wake of the July docuseries, the Bradley family has hired private investigators with funds seemingly obtained as a result of the show.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
First Brands implosion ‘not the last’ Industry insiders say the nature of certain private markets transactions means problems are becoming increasingly tricky to spot, despite more intensive levels of due diligence among investors, often involving private investigators.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Many now have cameras, hire private investigators and offer cash rewards to try to catch the thieves.
—Nick Ferraro, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Many now have cameras, hire private investigators and offer cash rewards to try to catch the thieves.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
The suit also alleges that Fox News pressures its guests not to appear on Newsmax and has hired private investigators to target Newsmax executives in an effort to drag down the channel.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private investigators
Noun
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California detectives alerted Miami Gardens Police, and law enforcement from several agencies began assembling to arrest Clayton.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
5 Nov. 2025
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The ongoing investigation is being led by Detective Travis Dalton, with assistance from other Post 4 detectives and troopers, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office and the Meade County Coroner’s Office.—
Lillian Metzmeier,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The scouting trips were particularly suspicious to investigators because none of the suspects are over 21 years old, ruling out legitimate visits to bars or clubs.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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The department is asking witnesses to come forward, and also asks that people who have video of the incident submit it to investigators, both from the incident and from exterior cameras in the area.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Private investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20investigators. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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