Definition of sleuthnext
as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons the popular TV sleuth lives a much more action-packed life than do his real-world counterparts

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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 sleuth Cole played the snarky writer and amateur sleuth Jughead Jones across Riverdale’s seven-season run on The CW. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026 Fans started to act as super sleuths, investigating Inviz’s actions and trying to track down Gerasimov. Kyle MacNeill, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026 Even if Rodri's cleats added an extra inch or two, online sleuths point to other comparisons, including with Prince William who met with the president in 2024. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 21 July 2026 So when things go badly inside the opaque world of many private schools, it can be left to parents, police, journalists and amateur sleuths to find and expose wrongdoing. Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sleuth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleuth
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
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

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Cite this Entry

“Sleuth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleuth. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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