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
Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
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
Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025
More often the images are evocative and visually stunning, shot by Rui Poças, the cinematographer who often works with Miguel Gomes, including on the recent, visually arresting Grand Tour.
—Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
The fate of Henry’s victims ranks among the most arresting moments in a show that has quite a few of them.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
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
Verb
Federal immigration authorities arresting a woman in downtown Los Angeles had their vehicle towed away by a tow truck driver who is accused of filming and laughing as one officer chased after him, according to court documents.
—Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025
More often the images are evocative and visually stunning, shot by Rui Poças, the cinematographer who often works with Miguel Gomes, including on the recent, visually arresting Grand Tour.
—Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
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So, ask yourself, Is my profile accurate, up-to-date, relevant, interesting, impressive, and credible?—
William Arruda,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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What makes the show interesting, however, isn’t just the chemistry between the trio of anchors, though that is certainly part of the equation.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For cruising around town while keeping tabs on the surrounding potholes, traffic and pedestrians, however, many cyclists prefer the more commanding, upright, back-friendly stance offered by a flat handlebar.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Sep. 2025
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As one of the world’s largest tech giants, Google’s position in the space is a commanding one, though competition from the likes of Meta, OpenAI and others is fierce.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Despite the slowdown in Europe’s soft denim sales, Turkish mill Isko is seizing new growth opportunities across Asia.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Sep. 2025
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This one was about seizing one of the sweetest victories of his legendary career … whether the old quarterback wanted to admit it or not.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For thinkers like Ratti, the time for stopping or slowing climate change has passed, and the time for climate adaptation is upon us.—
Kate Wagner,
Curbed,
5 Sep. 2025
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The European Commission isn't stopping with financial penalties, though.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Its plots were familiar yet engaging, and its characters were the kind viewers wanted to spend time with week after week.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The process of sitting became vitally important to Bella, as did proving herself an engaging enough companion.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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After a noticeable drop in school attendance due to SEPTA cuts in the first week of the new school year, the city directed a portion of its $135 million transit subsidy to restore bus and trolley service on routes that are heavily used by students.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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The ears of a young ram are more noticeable than those of an old ram, whose ears are largely concealed by the massive horns.—
Tim Kelly,
Outdoor Life,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Rider agents are tasked with fighting drug smuggling and human trafficking, locating and apprehending undocumented migrants and occasionally rescuing migrants and citizen hikers.—
Suzanne Wright,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Rhode Island and Connecticut have said that halting construction of Revolution Wind would harm the states, their residents, investments and the offshore wind industry.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
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The lawsuit, filed in Cole County, marks the first legal challenge aimed at halting a special legislative session designed to carve up the Kansas City region and overhaul the state’s initiative petition process.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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