1
as in to seize
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the inept robber was promptly arrested by the off-duty policeman he had tried to hold up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill
cryogenics is based on the idea that extreme cold can almost arrest molecular motion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to fascinate
to hold the attention of as if by a spell
the sight of the daredevil walking a tightrope between high-rises arrested area pedestrians and motorists alike
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in arrestment
the act of taking into one's control by authority of law
there have been only two arrests for driving while intoxicated in the county in the last six months
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cessation
the stopping of a process or activity
"hemostasis" is the technical term for arrest of bleeding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 arrest
Melissa Russo, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
The current version of the film sidesteps the allegations by ending its story in 1988, five years before the Chandler claims came out and 15 years before Jackson was arrested in 2003 on charges of molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
In January 2025, months before their arrest, a female undercover detective visited the med spa under the guise of wanting a chin liposuction consultation.
—Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arrest
Verb
The councilmember was arrested and faces two counts of disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration, police said.
—Melissa Russo, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
The current version of the film sidesteps the allegations by ending its story in 1988, five years before the Chandler claims came out and 15 years before Jackson was arrested in 2003 on charges of molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
That death, prosecutors said, led to the arrest of Christopher Patrick Laney, 37, who on Monday was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
In January 2025, months before their arrest, a female undercover detective visited the med spa under the guise of wanting a chin liposuction consultation.
—Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arrest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arrest
Verb
-
That’s been enough for Minnesota to seize a 2-1 lead after trailing by 19 points early in Game 2.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The other ship taken by Iran, the Francesca, stopped transmitting in the same area where it was seized.—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On the mound for Monday’s 2-0 win, pitch count was the only thing that could stop Toma.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
-
If nerves come up, that’s part of the process, not a reason to stop.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The idea was likened to a national version of unearthing an ancient Egyptian tomb and expected to fascinate audiences.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Alicia Johnson, who lives in Onarga in Iroquois County, said she was fascinated by the neighborhood.—
Janice Neumann,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Beijing calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, Xi was cited as saying by Xinhua, while supporting all efforts conducive to restoring peace and remaining committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.—
Will Clark,
NBC news,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The cessation in fighting, which has killed thousands in Lebanon, could temporarily ease a conflict that threatened the two-week truce between the United States and Iran.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When time is critical to identify, apprehend, or rescue, the EZ-ID system reduces the number of potential vehicles from thousands to just dozens.—
Jay Gardiner,
Boston Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
-
He was apprehended by police and put in a squad car before being able to talk to Avino, according to the lawsuit.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After the Lakers successfully halted Alperen Sengun’s potential game-winning shot at the other end, a James 3-point attempt from the left wing bounced off the rim at the regulation buzzer – sending the game to overtime.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The loss ended Minnesota United’s four-match unbeaten run, halting the club’s momentum as both teams vie for top playoff positioning.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
It was broadcast worldwide, enchanting some 30 million viewers.—
Francesca Pellegrini,
Vanity Fair,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Everyone was enchanted by the idea of Nicole as a pro wrestler.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
He is stripped of his business license, faces police raids and arrests, and is forced to shut down the testing centre.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The studio reportedly believes that 30% of the footage from the lost third act could be used in a sequel, including a police raid on Michael's Neverland Ranch.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arrest. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
