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
Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 29 July 2025
In one of the most arresting sequences in the autofictional section, the narrator visits a psychic in Mexico, Michal, who offers to rid her of ‘entities’ that are hindering her recovery.
—Book Marks
july 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
Brian Bennett, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
Agents have been accused of arresting citizens without probable cause, pointing weapons at people, tear-gassing neighborhoods, among other allegations of violent behavior.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
Yet the most vital and arresting moment occurs 19 pages in, well before Osunde has formally introduced most of the novel’s players.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 29 July 2025
In one of the most arresting sequences in the autofictional section, the narrator visits a psychic in Mexico, Michal, who offers to rid her of ‘entities’ that are hindering her recovery.
—Book Marks
july 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
Verb
Across the state, immigration agents have been seen arresting US citizens and legal immigrants, entering homes and vehicles without judicial warrants, and using excessive force against observers and protestors.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
Agents have been accused of arresting citizens without probable cause, pointing weapons at people, tear-gassing neighborhoods, among other allegations of violent behavior.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
This new process, the researchers explain, could offer interesting options for keeping energy-hungry data centers cool.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The game was a blowout early but got interesting late.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Year after year Samsung had an increasingly greater, ever-more commanding presence at CES.—
Jan Wagner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Uganda’s longtime President Yoweri Museveni took a commanding lead in early election results as reports of deadly violence emerged following Thursday’s vote.—
Preeti Jha,
semafor.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
United teams of the past decade have been good at seizing on the unintended errors of opponents.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
According to a United Nations report, since seizing Rubaya, the rebels have imposed taxes on the trade and transport of coltan, generating at least $800,000 a month.—
Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As the day wears on, the interview subjects recall their WhatsApp groups lighting up, until more people from the surrounding buildings add to the sea of residents stopping the van from taking off.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Teams will fill the rocket’s tank with more than 700,000 gallons of super-cold fuel, stopping a half-minute short of when the engines would light.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Feb. 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
Adjective
-
For the uninitiated, analog bags are essentially bags that are filled with tactile, low-stimulatory activities that are screenless yet totally engaging, like books, crafts, and journals.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The flow is natural and creates an engaging experience for guests in this warm and welcoming environment.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The rich brown shade imparts barely-noticeable color that subtly brightens my gaze, while lifting and separating each lash with just a few swipes.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
-
That’s why her recent absence has been so noticeable.—
Barry Svrluga,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The federal statute authorizes law enforcement agencies to aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating, apprehending and detaining people in the country illegally.—
Richard Ruelas,
AZCentral.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Protesters in Minneapolis have since flooded the streets in the thousands, and ICE agents have responded by apprehending some, shoving others to the ground, and spraying chemical irritants in their faces.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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