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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.

The live-action series is based on the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir, telling the story of Ben Reilly - a hardened private investigator in 1930s New York, played by Nicolas Cage.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Our everyman is Ben Reilly — played by the incomparable Nicolas Cage, making his live-action television debut — a private investigator who moonlights as the city’s only superhero, the Spider.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

The ultraviolent 1991 film was directed by her former husband Renny Harlin and co-starred Samuel L. Jackson as a lowly private investigator.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

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

“I even hired some local private investigator to find her, but no luck.”

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

private investigator

Example Sentences

Related Words