Synonyms of private investigators

private investigators

noun

plural of private investigator

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• detectives
• investigators
• private detectives
• private eyes
• operatives
• sleuths
• sleuthhounds
• dicks
• sherlocks
• hawkshaws
• shamuses
• gumshoes
• shadows
• tracers
• trackers
• feds
• plainclothesmen
• tails
• Federals
• narcs
• G-men

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of private investigators

During the test, two private investigators were hired to conduct surveillance on Hogan. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

At the news conference Monday, Khalil also accused the university of surveilling pro-Palestinian students and hiring private investigators to monitor him. — Sudhin Thanawala, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

In an interview with a neighbor, the private investigators learned that there was a cargo van outside the house at the time. — Jeremy Greenberg, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Priestley and Sampson are reprising their roles as private investigators Matt Shade and Angie Everett. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

The series sees Jason Priestley and Cindy Sampson reprise their roles as private investigators Matt Shade and Angie Everett. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

The Dink star’s new series costars Keith David, Langston Kerman, and Mary Shalaby in a comedy about private investigators working in Los Angeles. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026

Harry and the six other high-profile claimants failed to prove their allegations that the publisher unlawfully obtained private information through methods including private investigators, deception, phone hacking and corrupt payments. — Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Depending on the circumstances, this may include private investigators, attorneys, cybersecurity professionals, exchanges, regulators or law enforcement agencies. — Jon Stojan june 23, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026