1
as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest
an arresting film about tribal traditions in Africa
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commanding
likely to attract attention
at seven feet tall, he's an arresting figure in any crowd
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in seizing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stopping
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 fascinating
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of arresting
Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
The way Emma deploys speech — her cruelty in it — was very arresting.
—Paula Aceves, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Andrew Graham
april 15, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The task force did not answer questions about the use of traffic stops as a primary means of arresting immigrants who are not authorized to be in the United States.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
Nicki has a distinctive flow, an almost arresting look that made the fashion and beauty industries take note and the Trinidadian rapper put her own spin on women’s sexuality and empowerment.
—Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
The way Emma deploys speech — her cruelty in it — was very arresting.
—Paula Aceves, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
Among them were bills to restrict the use of flash-bang grenades and explosive breaching charges for crowd control and for immigration enforcement and a bill prohibiting ICE agents from arresting people on their way to a court proceeding.
—Andrew Graham
april 15, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The task force did not answer questions about the use of traffic stops as a primary means of arresting immigrants who are not authorized to be in the United States.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
If Houston wins that one, things start to get really interesting for a 3-0 comeback.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Orlando would scurry to get back in the game and thanks to some lucky breaks in the second half, the Storm were able to make things interesting.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
When nominations for the 2026 ACM Awards were announced earlier this month, the commanding storyline was the dominance by women as nominees.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Peck joined the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer for the Fighting Checkmates of VFA-211.—
Rashad Alexander,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jaden McDaniels and the Minnesota Timberwolves flexed even more of their defensive muscle against the flagging Denver Nuggets, seizing a 2-1 lead in the first-round NBA playoff series with a dominant 113-96 victory on Thursday night.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Multiple videos show a masked federal agent seizing a 57-year-old woman, who says she was put in a chokehold, during the protest in Durango.—
Morgan Lee,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Let’s imagine—in a case of truly terrible architectural planning—that there is only one extremely slow elevator, stopping at each floor and taking one minute per floor.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Schools brought in counselors for the victims’ young classmates and community leaders called for a citywide reckoning on stopping domestic violence.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In a video, students at Haverford High School and colleagues described Smith as passionate, caring, charismatic and engaging.—
Kelsie Hoffman,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The subject of this engaging biography is the eighteenth-and-nineteenth-century naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, who is often ridiculed as a faulty precursor to Darwin.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Tips for a great visit Arriving early can make a noticeable difference.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Aided by the Coast Guard's Cutter Florence Finch, Air and Marine Operations' Long Beach Marine Unit crew intercepted the boat near San Nicolas Island, apprehending 29 Mexican nationals.—
Robert McGreevy,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Just before the 2026 season, former Glory defensive tackle and eight-time All-Pro Syreeta Gapelu brought even more attention to the team by tackling and apprehending a man attempting to steal her car.—
PJ Green
April 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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