private investigator

noun

Definition of private investigatornext
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

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 investigator 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 Herman Weisberg, a former NYPD detective turned high-profile private investigator, believes one phone call could still crack the case. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 That’s not to say that there aren’t some similarities between the Gotham City gangster in The Penguin and Los Angeles private investigator of Sugar. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026 But hardcore fans also know her Riley Thorn series, which follows a reluctant psychic and her handsome private investigator boyfriend. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for private investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private investigator
  1. detective
  2. investigator
  3. private detective
  4. private eye
Noun
  • The detective returns to the stand Monday for the fifth and likely final day of the preliminary hearing.
    — Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
  • Camani Bartletto, 18, was hit with the charge for allegedly firing at an Uber shortly before the detective was shot — and was also charged with gun possession, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Definition of detective
Noun
  • Two decomposed bodies have been found within five days at a park in western North Carolina, and both cases are classified as murders, according to investigators.
    — Mark Price July 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026
  • What exactly triggers these blooms is still an active area of research and debate, according to Brad Taylor, associate professor at North Carolina State University and investigator at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.
    — Hannah Smith July 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
Definition of investigator
Noun
  • Next month, Minotaur Books will publish the private detective mystery Killer Vibes by Jack Friday–or as readers will recognize him, John Fram.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The book introduced readers to Easy Rawlins, a private detective in mid-20th-century Watts who would go on to figure into more than 15 novels (and counting).
    — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2026
Definition of private detective
Noun
  • That’s how John Sugar goes from conscientious private eye to would-be assassin.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • There are vivid characters—the rich, distinguished crook Brandon, the platinum-blond secretary Miss Vermilyea; Javonen, ex-military intelligence, and seedy private eye from Kansas, Noble, who might have lurched out of an early Graham Greene story.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of private eye

Browse Nearby Words

private eyes
private investigator
private investigators
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Cite this Entry

“Private investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20investigator. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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