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Definitions

detective

[dih-tek-tiv] / dɪˈtɛk tɪv /
NOUN
investigator of crime
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agent informer police officer private eye private investigator prosecutor reporter sleuth spy
STRONG
analyst bloodhound bull constable cop dick eavesdropper eye fed fink flatfoot gumshoe nark peeper roper scout sergeant shadow shamus shoofly snoop tail
WEAK
P.I. Sherlock Holmes bird dog plainclothes officer slewfoot

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.

To counteract the maritime subterfuge, Kpler analysts have to play detective.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Andre White, a detective with about 11 years at the department, also vowed to take a “community-oriented approach” if elected.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

He also had a photographic memory, which came in very useful for his later detective work around the thefts.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Both were initially worried about their difference in age, but soon bonded over their shared love of art, culture and detective movies.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

If I had money, I’d hire a detective like they do on TV.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Vocabulary lists containing detective

Miranda v. Arizona (1966): Syllabus

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Vocabulary Review, Unit 1

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