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Showing results for private investigator. Search instead for exclusive investigator.
Definitions

private investigator

NOUN
detective employed by private parties
Synonyms
STRONGEST
P.I. inquiry agent private detective private dick private eye private investigator sleuth
STRONG
detective gumshoe investigator
WEAK
Sherlock Holmes agent beagle bird dog bloodhound dick skip tracer sleuthhound snoop spotter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

David Sherborne, for the claimants, repeatedly questioned the private investigator about the statement on Monday - having been given permission by the judge to treat him as a hostile witness and conduct a cross-examination.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Wright also strongly denied allegations he met private investigator Jonathan Rees and corrupt police officers in Thornton Heath pubs to pay them for information for stories.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

In 1986, Don Winslow was a 33-year-old New York-born, world-traveling private investigator who, during stakeouts, read crime fiction by authors such as Elmore Leonard, James Ellroy and Joseph Wambaugh.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

After setting up his own company, he was hired an as in-house private investigator for two US news shows.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

Fenton Hardy, Frank and Joe’s dad, was a private investigator who used to work with the local Bayport police force.

From "Hopping Mad (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #4)" by Franklin W. Dixon