Thesaurus results for PRIVATE EYES

private eyes

noun

plural of private eye

as in detectives

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

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 private eyes The untitled half-hour project is a workplace comedy set in the world of private detectives, which continues the proud tradition of Los Angeles private eyes that began with Philip Marlowe and will end with this show. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for private eyes

Noun

No arrests have been made as an investigation by Harrison Area detectives got underway.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
After days of searching for her son, two detectives showed up at Madrigal’s home.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of detectives

Noun

Police have not released her identity, and investigators have not identified a suspect, the spokesperson said.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said his investigators are still trying to determine whether the shootings in the Deep Ellum neighborhood were related.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of investigators

Noun

Meanwhile, private detectives probed Hadley’s vulnerabilities as a witness.

— Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
The trio took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles as part of a PaleyFest event commemorating five decades of Charlie's Angels, the groundbreaking ABC series that followed a group of female private detectives.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026

Definition of private detectives

Noun

The private investigators recovered one truck with help from the Mexican army.

— Steve Fisher Special Correspondent Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
During the test, two private investigators were hired to conduct surveillance on Hogan.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026