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
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Recent Examples of private investigator
The show follows a private investigator, Rapp (Reid), according to the show’s synopsis.
—
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
Did the Guthries hire their own private investigator?
—Stephanie Innes, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
International private investigator Jay Armes III says the footage could be a major breakthrough.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Following her retirement, Albrecht became a private investigator.
—Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for private investigator
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
Did the Guthries hire their own private investigator?
—Stephanie Innes, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
International private investigator Jay Armes III says the footage could be a major breakthrough.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Following her retirement, Albrecht became a private investigator.
—Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for private investigator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private investigator
Noun
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Together, Sarah Wondra and the roommates bound Michael with duct tape and shoved him into the duffel bag, Wondra recounted to the detectives.—
Alex Brizee
March 3,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
-
No one was in custody for the fatal shooting, and detectives were investigating.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Between February 27 and March 2, the investigators found and arrested four suspects.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In plain terms, investigators have been told to file paperwork and wait in line.—
Vaughn Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Filming is underway in Serbia on the final six episodes to wrap up the story of Eliza Scarlet, Victorian London’s first female private detective.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
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When his teams didn’t entertain, Moe became the show, this cursing, grumbling, rumpled 6-foot-5 firebrand who dressed like a ’70s private detective, a disheveled anti-hero who detested suits.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Inspired by her father’s work as a private eye, Eliza (Phillips) has spent the last six seasons breaking the glass ceiling while solving countless mysteries.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
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Princess Lilibet and her brother, Prince Archie, 6, are often kept out of the private eye by their parents, but the siblings have recently been featured in a number of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's photos — and some of their philanthropic work.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Private investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20investigator. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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