as in detectives
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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Recent Examples of private investigators
The insider also told THR that in the wake of the July docuseries, the Bradley family has hired private investigators with funds seemingly obtained as a result of the show.
—
Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
First Brands implosion ‘not the last’ Industry insiders say the nature of certain private markets transactions means problems are becoming increasingly tricky to spot, despite more intensive levels of due diligence among investors, often involving private investigators.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Many now have cameras, hire private investigators and offer cash rewards to try to catch the thieves.
—Nick Ferraro, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Many now have cameras, hire private investigators and offer cash rewards to try to catch the thieves.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
The suit also alleges that Fox News pressures its guests not to appear on Newsmax and has hired private investigators to target Newsmax executives in an effort to drag down the channel.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
First Brands implosion ‘not the last’ Industry insiders say the nature of certain private markets transactions means problems are becoming increasingly tricky to spot, despite more intensive levels of due diligence among investors, often involving private investigators.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Many now have cameras, hire private investigators and offer cash rewards to try to catch the thieves.
—Nick Ferraro, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
Many now have cameras, hire private investigators and offer cash rewards to try to catch the thieves.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
The suit also alleges that Fox News pressures its guests not to appear on Newsmax and has hired private investigators to target Newsmax executives in an effort to drag down the channel.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private investigators
Noun
-
The film sees detectives discover the remains of 23 women and six men at the residence of filmmaker and serial killer Mark Chapel, who is arrested along with a collaborator, Donovan Summers, who is also later detained.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
22 Oct. 2025
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In their investigation, detectives learned that Garfias, Vargas’s ex-boyfriend, sent her a text message luring her to the outside of a bar, the district attorney said in the statement.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Two of the victims, both of whom were women in their early 20s, told investigators they were raped at the tattoo studio, per the release.—
Nicole Acosta,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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Tracing them to Maduro would take federal investigators months.—
Joshua Goodman,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Private investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20investigators. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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