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
Paula Aceves, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The most arresting gallery in the Aegean, set beneath Jeff Koons’ gorgeous sundial.
—Lela London, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 13 Feb. 2026
To be sure, arresting undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes is a worthy goal.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
The way Emma deploys speech — her cruelty in it — was very arresting.
—Paula Aceves, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The most arresting gallery in the Aegean, set beneath Jeff Koons’ gorgeous sundial.
—Lela London, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Troopers could be seen chasing him a few steps before arresting him at gunpoint.
—Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 13 Feb. 2026
To be sure, arresting undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes is a worthy goal.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
Those are interesting, detailed questions.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
But with a gritty performance and one decisive shot, the Bruins rewrote their story, capping an interesting chapter in their illustrious history.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In an indictment Thursday, federal prosecutors said Kevin Taylor attempted to steer an $11 million contract toward the company, SaferWatch, while serving as the commanding officer of the department's School Safety Division.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The President demoted Greg Bovino, the commanding agent in charge of the roving patrols that have besieged Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minneapolis.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Virginia started the second half with a 12-3 run, seizing a 51-47 lead on Mallory’s long 3-pointer.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
22 Feb. 2026
-
In November 2022, FBI agents carried out a search and seizure warrant at Huntsman’s residence, seizing multiple items.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The video, shared by the Chino Police Department, shows two vehicles stopping at a red light in front of and behind a big rig on Friday.—
Terry Castleman,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Eventually Trump himself entered the hall—now as quiet as a library—and began making his way very slowly down the red carpet with the First Lady, stopping every few steps to take a question.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
24 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
-
The event will focus on wisdom and wellness, featuring engaging speakers, meaningful conversations, and breathtaking coastal views paired with exceptional cuisine, according to a news release.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
On Instagram, gallery posts played a pivotal role in their strategy, accounting for 70 percent of the channel’s top 20 most engaging posts.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s in large part due to the Eagles’ noticeable step backward following their Super Bowl-winning season in 2024.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
-
While London retains its energy, there is a noticeable shift in focus toward craft, quality, and, ultimately, wearability.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Mansfield Police Department Mansfield PD thanked the Missouri and Arkansas Highway Patrols for their help in safely recovering the missing child and apprehending the suspect.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Immigration enforcement efforts in Oklahoma also have focused heavily on apprehending commercial truckers driving on interstate highways.—
Nuria Martinez-Keel,
Oklahoma Voice,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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