Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for private detective. Search instead for privatdetektiv.
Definitions

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.

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

He even hired a private detective, though he was disappointed with the man’s effort.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

This much I can tell you: Colin Farrell plays a private detective in “Sugar.”

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2024

In January 1919, after the police detained Middleton and his companion, the private detective interrogated them.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann