Detective — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /di-ˈtek-tiv/ de·tec·tive

Meaning & Definition of Detective

Detective (adjective)

  1. fitted for or used in detecting something
  2. of or relating to detectives or their work

Detective (noun)

  1. one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible

Detective (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private eye, private investigator, shamus (slang), sherlock, sleuth, sleuthhound
    related: shadow, tail, tracer, tracker, fed, Federal, G-man, narc (slang), plainclothesman

Related Entry: Private detective (noun)

Private detective is a different word from Detective. The synonyms below are for private detective, not for detective.

  1. a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons

    "when the police insisted that it was an accident and not murder, she hired a private detective"

    similar: detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private eye, private investigator, shamus (slang), sherlock, sleuth, sleuthhound
    related: shadow, tail, tracer, tracker, fed, Federal, G-man, narc (slang), plainclothesman

Related Entry: Private investigator (noun)

Private investigator is a different word from Detective. The synonyms below are for private investigator, not for detective.

  1. a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons

    "the retired policeman decided to become a private investigator"

    similar: detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private eye, shamus (slang), sherlock, sleuth, sleuthhound
    related: shadow, tail, tracer, tracker, fed, Federal, G-man, narc (slang), plainclothesman

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Detective

The most common words with a similar meaning to Detective:

Slang: shamus
dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private eye, private investigator, sherlock, sleuth, sleuthhound

Related Words for Detective

shadow, tail, tracer, tracker, fed, Federal, G-man, narc, plainclothesman

Word Forms of Detective

Derived words: detectivelike (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Detective

First known use: 1732

Words & Phrases Containing Detective

house detective, private detective

Frequently Asked Questions about Detective

What does "Detective" mean?

"Detective" means fitted for or used in detecting something. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: fitted for or used in detecting something.

What is another word for "Detective"?

Other words for "Detective" include dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private eye and private investigator. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Detective" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Detective"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Detective". Common alternatives include dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private eye, private investigator, shamus and sherlock.

How do you use "Detective" in a sentence?

Examples of "Detective" in a sentence: "the code used by the serial killer in his letters to the police was actually cracked by an amateur detective".

Is "Detective" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Detective" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Detective"?

"Detective" is pronounced /di-ˈtek-tiv/ and divided into syllables as de·tec·tive.

What is the origin of the word "Detective"?

First known use: 1732.

What is another word for "Detective" meaning "a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons"?

When "Detective" (noun) means a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons, synonyms include dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative and private detective.