as in detectives
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons
the retired policeman decided to become a private investigator
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of private investigators
The suit also alleges that Fox News pressures its guests not to appear on Newsmax and has hired private investigators to target Newsmax executives in an effort to drag down the channel.
—
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for private investigators
Noun
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The intensive care doctor who treated the boy told detectives the child arrived at the hospital in cardiac arrest, with a traumatic brain injury, including bleeding on the brain, bleeding of the eyes and a broken left leg, the report states.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
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In March 2000, Jackson County drug detectives knocked on the door of a Grandview home and came out with 15 pounds of marijuana — and an informant willing to talk.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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What investigators conclude about Robinson’s motivations may have far-reaching consequences beyond his own criminal case.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
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If tax records and documents do not add up, employers and employees may be arrested and detained as investigators sort out who is illegally present in the United States or illegally employing workers.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Private investigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/private%20investigators. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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