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.

Claude, meanwhile, having left the police to become a private detective, is obsessed with solving a string of related wartime murders, including that of Huguette’s father.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Marten's family also hired a private detective to find her.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2025

A private detective finally found Madrigal living in Las Vegas with her oldest son, Oren, who didn’t learn about his mother’s tragic, historic past until answering the researcher’s call.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

Hale recruited a brooding private detective from Kansas City, who went by the name of Pike.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

private detective

Example Sentences

Related Words