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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.

Ford, the original detective, had interviewed Hatley not long after Cynthia’s death.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

While he didn’t have any updates for her, the conversation with Jessica apparently struck a chord, and he asked a homicide detective named Anthony Stafford to review Cynthia’s case.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Horry County Police Department detective Alan Jones had briefed Tamasi by phone while they were both en route.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The entertainment was provided by comedian Bob Hope and actor, Telly Savalas, best known for playing the lollipop-loving, TV detective, Kojak.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

What if they knew she wasn’t Mrs. Barley at all but a highly skilled detective from Chicago?

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.