Sleuths: meaning, definitions and examples

Informal and sometimes playful or old-fashioned settings. It can refer to amateur detectives or people who enjoy solving mysteries.

• The kids turned into sleuths for the day to find out who took the cookies
• The novel's group of sleuths made the story exciting

General term used for a person who solves crimes, both in professional and fictional settings. Commonly used in literature, movies, and TV shows.

• The detective questioned all the witnesses to get to the bottom of the case
• Sherlock Holmes is a famous fictional detective

Broad term used for anyone who investigates crimes or other situations requiring detailed examination. It encompasses various fields, including private investigations and official police work.

• The company hired an investigator to look into the fraud allegations
• The investigator gathered all the necessary information for the case

Typically used in formal settings and titles within police departments. It refers to a higher-ranking officer who supervises investigations.

• Inspector Smith is in charge of the homicide division
• The inspector reviewed the evidence carefully

This appears to be a repetition, see above for details.

Describes someone skilled in solving various types of puzzles, not necessarily limited to mysteries or crimes.

• She's a fantastic puzzle solver and can complete a crossword in minutes.
• During the game night, he proved to be the best puzzle solver.

Used for someone who enjoys reading or engaging with mystery stories and puzzles, often as a hobby.

• As a mystery enthusiast, she had read every Agatha Christie novel.
• The club was full of mystery enthusiasts eager to discuss the latest detective series.