Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

detective

[dih-tek-tiv] / dɪˈtɛk tɪv /


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.

See Examples For:

He admitted to being fascinated by fire, and that "things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth," a detective said in the document.

From Barron's Aug. 7, 2026

They were bound for private residences where Harvey lived or had access to in Hollywood, instead of a Nike retailer, the detective said.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 5, 2026

The title character of Tiffany Hanssen’s unconventional murder mystery enjoyed drafting his own obituary—and the resulting document may hold clues for the detective investigating his murder.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 31, 2026

When asked by a detective what Bush had done with the money he received from a funeral plan, he replied: "No comment."

From BBC Jul. 29, 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

The task force of Pima County detectives and FBI agents meets daily in a downtown Tucson office building, scrutinizing evidence, including each ransom note.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 2, 2026

Citizen detectives like Diarra Brickland, who arranges her messy life around ensuring that the people and prizes typically overlooked or quietly erased by the mainstream keep being seen, are even less common.

From Salon Aug. 1, 2026

As the APD released the podcast in June, detectives were testing the DNA using new forensic genealogy technology, and the programme updated listeners about other new lines of enquiry.

From BBC Jul. 31, 2026

“I’m drawn to police detectives, not private detectives,” he says, pointing to the duty-bound, badge-wearing protagonist in “Cure,” a Criterion-anointed classic now held in the same pantheon of serial killer tales as “Seven” and “Manhunter.”

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 30, 2026

Apollinaire opened it to find a pair of detectives on his doorstep.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day




Vocabulary lists containing detective


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training