private detective

NOUN

detective employed by private parties

Synonyms

STRONGEST

detective gumshoe private eye private investigator sleuth

WEAK

P.I. Sherlock Holmes beagle dick flatfoot inquiry agent inspector investigator operative private dick skip tracer sleuthhound spotter tec

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.

His latest role is as a former cop turned private detective in Peacock’s new crime thriller, “M.I.A.,” streaming now.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Enter Dell Chandler, a failed English professor turned bootstrapping private detective, hired by Dr. Cutty to investigate.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

A private detective, Auguste Bell, arrives to solve the crime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Marten's family also hired a private detective to find her.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2025

Hale recruited a brooding private detective from Kansas City, who went by the name of Pike.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

private detective

Example Sentences

Related Words