Thesaurus results for PRIVATE EYES

private eyes

noun

plural of private eye

as in detectives

a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons unable to get the interest of the police, they hired a private eye to find their missing daughter

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 private eyes The untitled half-hour project is a workplace comedy set in the world of private detectives, which continues the proud tradition of Los Angeles private eyes that began with Philip Marlowe and will end with this show. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for private eyes

Noun

From the classic ‘Whodunit’ style to thrilling neonoirs, mystery novels have compelled readers to solve cases alongside detectives like Hercule Poirot.

— Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
The driver fled in an unknown direction, but detectives identified the vehicle by parts that were left on the road after the crash.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of detectives

Noun

In a statement posted to Facebook, the Wichita Police Department asked anyone with video of the incident to upload it so investigators could take a look.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
In coordination with agents from the state Department of Labor’s Wage & Workplace Standards Division, investigators determined that the business was operating without a workers’ compensation insurance policy on two separate occasions.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigators

Noun

Meanwhile, private detectives probed Hadley’s vulnerabilities as a witness.

— Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
The trio took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles as part of a PaleyFest event commemorating five decades of Charlie's Angels, the groundbreaking ABC series that followed a group of female private detectives.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026

Definition of private detectives

Noun

The private investigators recovered one truck with help from the Mexican army.

— Steve Fisher Special Correspondent Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
During the test, two private investigators were hired to conduct surveillance on Hogan.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026