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
Richard Fausset, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
As Andrew Lloyd Webber’s go-to orchestrator during some of the composer’s most creative years, Cullen has translated many of the composer’s most arresting melodies into lush, full-bodied and evocative orchestral music.
—Darryn King, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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
Some of the most arresting pages in the series depict Mr. Sattouf’s experience as a child in Ter Maaleh, his father’s village.
—Richard Fausset, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
As Andrew Lloyd Webber’s go-to orchestrator during some of the composer’s most creative years, Cullen has translated many of the composer’s most arresting melodies into lush, full-bodied and evocative orchestral music.
—Darryn King, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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
-
There’s something quite interesting about the actor’s experience.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
17 May 2025
-
Maureen Murphy made things interesting late in the third period, cutting the Ottawa lead in half with five minutes remaining.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Which ever of the two superstars steps up the biggest tonight can give their team a commanding lead as the series starts to come to a close.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
-
Adam Henrique scored twice in what was a brutally physical first period, sparking the Oilers to a dominant 3-0 win to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round series.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
What’s stopping organizations from reaping the benefits of AI right now?—
Jesse Todd,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In one example of brand testing, two key takeaways were that virtual try-on is very engaging, while AI chat interface was perceived negatively.—
Alexandra Pastore,
Footwear News,
20 May 2025
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These findings suggest that keeping relationships exciting and engaging is just as important as managing conflicts.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
This gap is especially noticeable in close relationships, such as those with family and close friends, where shared understanding is critical to maintaining connection.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
-
But her impact was immediately noticeable, said La Jolla High Principal Chuck Podhorsky.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
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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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
Adjective
-
Clemens has already come through with three big homers in sparse playing time for the Twins, showing intriguing bat-speed improvement at age 29.—
Aaron Gleeman,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
-
In an intriguing revision, the Heartbeat team expanded the role of the Page, who is besotted with the Syrian captain Narraboth, who is in turn besotted with Salome.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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