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
Meanwhile, the victims were still being intimidated by Epstein’s private investigators.
—
Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
Though an exhaustive search was conducted, including an intensive investigation by authorities, private investigators and true-crime enthusiasts, Natalee, who was 18 at the time, was never found.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Something stuck with one of the private investigators that were hired to do a surveillance on somebody that a client wanted surveilled.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 25 May 2026
Walking the streets asking people about her brother alongside her niece, reporting tips to police tirelessly, creating an online fundraiser and even hiring private investigators to lend a helping hand.
—Frankie McLister, CBS News, 17 May 2026
The report wasn’t news to NFL teams, which routinely employ private investigators to dig into draft prospects and compile detailed reports on their backgrounds.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Priestley and Supernatural’s Cindy Sampson have reprised their roles as private investigators Matt Shade and Angie Everett in the series, which was originally greenlit by Canada’s Corus Entertainment.
—Peter White, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Health projects that Naqvi had promised had come to nothing, and the Gates Foundation and other investors hired private investigators to trace the whereabouts of their money.
—Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
This is all part of Harry’s civil lawsuit against ANL for unlawful information gathering, including phone tapping and the use of private investigators.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 2 Apr. 2026
Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
Though an exhaustive search was conducted, including an intensive investigation by authorities, private investigators and true-crime enthusiasts, Natalee, who was 18 at the time, was never found.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Something stuck with one of the private investigators that were hired to do a surveillance on somebody that a client wanted surveilled.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 25 May 2026
Walking the streets asking people about her brother alongside her niece, reporting tips to police tirelessly, creating an online fundraiser and even hiring private investigators to lend a helping hand.
—Frankie McLister, CBS News, 17 May 2026
The report wasn’t news to NFL teams, which routinely employ private investigators to dig into draft prospects and compile detailed reports on their backgrounds.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Priestley and Supernatural’s Cindy Sampson have reprised their roles as private investigators Matt Shade and Angie Everett in the series, which was originally greenlit by Canada’s Corus Entertainment.
—Peter White, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Health projects that Naqvi had promised had come to nothing, and the Gates Foundation and other investors hired private investigators to trace the whereabouts of their money.
—Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
This is all part of Harry’s civil lawsuit against ANL for unlawful information gathering, including phone tapping and the use of private investigators.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private investigators
Noun
-
Police urge anyone with information to call KCPD detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.—
Rashad Alexander,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
-
Using security camera video and witness statements, detectives identified Burnside as the shooting suspect, according to the Sheriff’s Office.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The woman told investigators that Landry was jealous of Stewart.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
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Federal investigators from the NTSB and FAA are probing the cause as aviation experts highlight longstanding concerns over lax maintenance standards and safety culture in the skydiving industry.—
Kristin M. Hall,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, private detectives probed Hadley’s vulnerabilities as a witness.—
Heidi Blake,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Private investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20investigators. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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