as in detectives
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 sleuths
As law enforcement continue the search, online sleuths began hypothesizing about the suspect's escape from the scene, leading some to the Provo Airport (PVU), a public-use regional airfield less than 15 minutes drive from UVU’s campus.
—
Colson Thayer, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The morbid scene was quite a shock for our trio of sleuths, and for audiences.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
But not all hope is lost, as our shopping editors-slash-internet sleuths managed to round up five alternative picks that resemble hers and will complete your fall ‘fit equations.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Over the weekend, as online sleuths scoured photos of Trump for evidence of any frailty, the political scientist Ian Bremmer pointed out that obsessive scrutiny of a leader’s health is a hallmark of authoritarian countries.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Following the incident, which took place after a match involving Polish tennis star Kamil Majchrzak, internet sleuths quickly identified the man as Piotr Szczerek, the millionaire owner of Drogbruk.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
But some schmuck producer somewhere out there in Hollywood doesn't agree, and hopefully some internet sleuths will figure out who the person is and shame them.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Swift wore a striped silk-blend dress in shades of cream and black by Ralph Lauren for the proposal, according to internet sleuths and reports in People and Harper's Bazaar.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
The news of the two pop culture sweethearts getting engaged nearly broke the internet as fans expressed their glee and warm wishes, while others played amateur sleuths to figure out just how the engagement took place.
—Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Aug. 2025
Colson Thayer, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The morbid scene was quite a shock for our trio of sleuths, and for audiences.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
But not all hope is lost, as our shopping editors-slash-internet sleuths managed to round up five alternative picks that resemble hers and will complete your fall ‘fit equations.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Over the weekend, as online sleuths scoured photos of Trump for evidence of any frailty, the political scientist Ian Bremmer pointed out that obsessive scrutiny of a leader’s health is a hallmark of authoritarian countries.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Following the incident, which took place after a match involving Polish tennis star Kamil Majchrzak, internet sleuths quickly identified the man as Piotr Szczerek, the millionaire owner of Drogbruk.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
But some schmuck producer somewhere out there in Hollywood doesn't agree, and hopefully some internet sleuths will figure out who the person is and shame them.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Swift wore a striped silk-blend dress in shades of cream and black by Ralph Lauren for the proposal, according to internet sleuths and reports in People and Harper's Bazaar.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
The news of the two pop culture sweethearts getting engaged nearly broke the internet as fans expressed their glee and warm wishes, while others played amateur sleuths to figure out just how the engagement took place.
—Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleuths
Noun
-
Anyone with information regarding the man’s death can contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
-
During an interview with detectives, Ivers admitted showing his manifesto to library staff.—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
What investigators conclude about Robinson’s motivations may have far-reaching consequences beyond his own criminal case.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
-
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
“Sleuths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleuths. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share