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
Noun
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The detective recalled a 2023 killing in North Hollywood that started when a pedestrian carrying grocery bags got into an argument with a motorist whose truck blocked the sidewalk.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026 -
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call KCPD homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 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
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In plain terms, investigators have been told to file paperwork and wait in line.—
Vaughn Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Sherlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sherlock. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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