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 Priestley and Sampson are reprising their roles as private investigators Matt Shade and Angie Everett. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 What begins as a brief stop turns into a much longer stay when Reacher meets Michelle Chang, a former FBI agent turned private investigator who’s searching for her missing colleague, Keever. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026 Maria Sten, a regular in seasons two and three of Reacher, plays the title character, a private investigator in Chicago and Jack Reacher’s former colleague in the Army’s 110th Special Investigations Unit. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 In Season 1, Sugar was hard-edged and assertive; the kind of private investigator who leads with intimidation and meets aggression with equal aggression. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 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
  • Later, Manny is arrested by Guthrie, the lead detective on the bank robbery case.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the CMPD Homicide Unit 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a detective.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of detective
Noun
  • Independent investigators, including the late doctor and whistleblower Gao Yaojie, argued the actual number could be much higher.
    — CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The investigators had named a deputy head of the presidential office among the suspects in a money-laundering case.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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