as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons the fictional sleuthhound Miss Marple is notable for her age as well as for her understanding of human nature, both of them being rather advanced

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleuthhound
Noun
  • No arrests had been made as an investigation by Calumet Area detectives was underway.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
  • Based on a preliminary investigation, detectives believe other women also may have been assaulted by Palacios, police said.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Fishy past Two decades ago, federal investigators alleged Marky’s was one of those companies caught in black market dealings.
    Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
  • The couple and their dog Gilbert were shot in their home during the early morning hours of June 14, by a gunman who investigators say was targeting Democratic lawmakers.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Reports of the city hiring a private investigator to look into Wu’s performance were first circulated by local residents in April, although the city declined to confirm nor comment about the matter when asked by this news organization.
    Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 9 June 2025
  • Before becoming a writer, Loyd had worked in law enforcement and as a private investigator, experiences that appear to inform the realistic feel of his mystery writing.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 4 June 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Sleuthhound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleuthhound. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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