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

Relevance

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

This investigation remains active as detectives continue efforts to determine whether the juvenile or others may be connected to additional incidents.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
The gun violence detectives are investigating the shooting, police said.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026

Definition of detectives

Noun

The courtroom then heard recordings of Colt’s interview with investigators less than an hour after the shooting.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Authorities in California are searching for two 9-year-old children who investigators say were abducted by their father this week, warning there is concern for their well-being.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 July 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

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