as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons
when the police insisted that it was an accident and not murder, she hired a private detective
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Recent Examples of private detective
Per the report, citing one of three sources familiar with the matter, U.S. authorities believe the DCI Group, a public affairs and lobbying company working for Exxon back in 2015, had compiled a list of targets and provided them to an Israeli private detective, who then outsourced the hacking.
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Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
The series follows John Sugar (Farrell), a private detective in Los Angeles.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 Oct. 2024
In the late 1960s, the producer Monty Berman came up with an idea for a show titled Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) — called My Partner the Ghost in the U.S. — about two private detectives: Jeff Randall, played by Mike Pratt, and Marty Hopkirk, played by Cope.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2024
Cher was once tailed by private detectives hired by Sonny Bono.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for private detective 
Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
The series follows John Sugar (Farrell), a private detective in Los Angeles.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 Oct. 2024
In the late 1960s, the producer Monty Berman came up with an idea for a show titled Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) — called My Partner the Ghost in the U.S. — about two private detectives: Jeff Randall, played by Mike Pratt, and Marty Hopkirk, played by Cope.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2024
Cher was once tailed by private detectives hired by Sonny Bono.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for private detective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private detective
Noun
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Homicide detectives are investigating deaths at several locations, said Nicole Nishida, communications director for the Sheriff’s Department.Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
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But then detectives told him a woman matching his wife’s description was found, dead, along the freeway.Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested if investigators are able to detain him.Ryan Hogg, Fortune Asia, 10 Jan. 2025
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Specifically, the lawsuit names the Santa Fe District Attorney, a special prosecutor, and three investigators from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's office.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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When a judge tentatively allowed the music to bang on this fall, sonic private eyes and city officials patrolled the neighborhood with microphones and decibel meters, gathering ammunition for the battle.Katie Thornton, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
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In Hot Spot, set in a near future society ruled by sentient A.I., a private eye investigates a murder case only to discover a rebel group capable of undermining the digital overlord.Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Despite enlisting the help of her private investigator best friend, Stacey (Jessica Plummer), Kat can’t seem to track down Josh.Yasmin Garaad, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
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Working with a private investigator can help with that.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near private detective
Cite this Entry
“Private detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20detective. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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