sherlock

noun

ˈshər-ˌläk How to pronounce sherlock (audio)
Definition of sherlocknext
as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons one of literature's most eccentric sherlocks, Nero Wolfe manages to solve mysteries without so much as leaving the confines of his own home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sherlock
  1. detective
  2. investigator
Noun
  • Several hours later, detectives were notified by medical staff that the man died from his injuries.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The officers replayed bodycam video of their encounter to O'Neill's brother, who told detectives the man in the video was not his brother.
    — Logan Smith, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of detective
Noun
  • Chrinos told investigators that the truck belonged to his boss, who had lent it to him, the affidavit said.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Aguilar also testified that investigators searched federal and state computerized fingerprint databases without finding a match.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of investigator
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.

Browse Nearby Words

sheriffs
sherlock
sherlocks
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sherlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sherlock. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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