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
Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Plympton and his team’s work is so arresting, balancing the grotesque and beautiful, the chaotic and serene, that the story inevitably takes a back seat to the art.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025
Remember when California was arresting people walking alone on the beach?
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
The Sphere, which connects to the Venetian Resort, has also become a magnet for visitors who want to gape at the visually arresting exosphere, which, as of July also includes a musical backdrop within the footprint of the venue.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Plympton and his team’s work is so arresting, balancing the grotesque and beautiful, the chaotic and serene, that the story inevitably takes a back seat to the art.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
This comes on the heels of the Legislature and governor passing a law that calls for arresting people who sleep in public.
—Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025
Remember when California was arresting people walking alone on the beach?
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
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What was really interesting about so much of the work was that materiality and texture were so tangible.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Clarkson and Blackstock's divorce settlement made headlines in part for the inclusion of one interesting detail: their children's vaccination status.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Trent Grisham also mashed a three-run shot off the right-field foul pole to give the Bombers what looked like a commanding 9-4 lead.—
James O'Connell,
New York Daily News,
2 Aug. 2025
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Paxton has held a commanding polling lead for months, fueling concern among national Republicans that his nomination could give Democrats a stronger shot at flipping a longtime red seat.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Pretending to be dead, Gi-hun and his friends launch a surprise attack, overpowering the guards and seizing their weapons, leaving only one guard alive.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) forces have since received training by Russian forces in the Far East and first engaged in combat with Ukrainian military in November, subsequently seizing their first village in Kursk, Plekhovo, earlier this month.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The director led the way past Dig HQ, past the two lichen-shaggy standing stones in the garden, and down a slope to Structure 27, Tam running ahead and stopping at the edge of the trench.—
Peter Ross,
Smithsonian Magazine,
8 Jan. 2025
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What’s stopping organizations from reaping the benefits of AI right now?—
Jesse Todd,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Every chapter is loaded with arcane information delivered in an engaging style.—
Gabrielle Bellot,
Literary Hub,
12 Aug. 2025
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This can not only improve employees' health and well-being but also create a more engaging work environment.—
Sourabh Deorah,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Since the pandemic, there’s been a noticeable drop in vaccination rates among kids.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
8 Aug. 2025
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But a noticeable upswing in Perseid activity begins during the second week of August, leading up to their peak night.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Even if researchers are able to cobble together the funds to help their participants exit trials safely, halting studies early could still nullify the contributions of the people who enrolled.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
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But halting her work now would mean skipping a final assessment for at least 20 people, to check their viral load and determine their next course of treatment.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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For millennials who recognize Snow from cult-classic teen comedies like 2006’s John Tucker Must Die and the Pitch Perfect franchise, her starring role as the self-destructive Sophie in The Hunting Wives is simultaneously nostalgic and intriguing.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
8 Aug. 2025
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Leagues Cup action returns on Thursday with an intriguing showdown, as the MLS side LA Galaxy takes on Liga MX team Santos Laguna.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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