hawkshaw

noun

ˈhȯk-ˌshȯ How to pronounce hawkshaw (audio)
Definition of hawkshawnext
as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons the firm hired a hawkshaw to find out who was fencing stock from their warehouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hawkshaw
  1. detective
  2. investigator
  3. private eye
Noun
  • Michelle Monaghan plays detective Amanda Beck, with Hamish Linklater and Owen Teague also starring.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Psychiatrists need to be good detectives during the entire process, even after a patient is on a medicine.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of detective
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
  • That’s how John Sugar goes from conscientious private eye to would-be assassin.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • There are vivid characters—the rich, distinguished crook Brandon, the platinum-blond secretary Miss Vermilyea; Javonen, ex-military intelligence, and seedy private eye from Kansas, Noble, who might have lurched out of an early Graham Greene story.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of private eye
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.

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Cite this Entry

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

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