detective

noun

Definition of detectivenext
as in investigator
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons the code used by the serial killer in his letters to the police was actually cracked by an amateur detective

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of detective Reuben Roach, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement detective who led the investigation, recounted the allegations. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 On Friday afternoon, the Police Department announced that homicide detectives had identified a suspect in Mota-Pinedo’s death. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 September sees the release of one of the best film noir pictures of all time, The Maltese Falcon, starring Humphrey Bogart in a career-defining role as detective Sam Spade. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 The serial killer drama sees retired detective Pete Willis (Robert De Niro) investigate the kidnapping of his grandson Jake (Acston Luca Porto) while trying to reconnect with his estranged son Tom (Adam Scott). — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detective
  1. investigator
  2. operative
Noun
  • At Fox Hollow, investigators started with remains but few clues about their identities.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Joseph Weiss was charged in 2023 with lying to federal investigators about his brother’s reputed mob ties, including his previous contacts with Schweihs and Dominic.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigator
Noun
  • Strategy and comms chief Nick Rathod, a seasoned political operative, served as Deputy Director in the Obama White House and a Special Assistant to the President.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The complaint alleges that Bowie, who converted to Islam five years ago and became radicalized online, spent a month communicating with an ISIS facilitator who was actually an undercover operative working with the FBI.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of operative

Phrases Containing detective

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detections
detective
detectives
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Cite this Entry

“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detective. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detective

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detective

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