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
Chad De Guzman, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
Finance the economy is so challenged that more Americans are raising money to buy food—an arresting data point that captures the widening gap between household budgets and basic needs.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 13 Oct. 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
The judge ruled that arresting and deporting non-citizen students for such reasons violated the First Amendment.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
Finance the economy is so challenged that more Americans are raising money to buy food—an arresting data point that captures the widening gap between household budgets and basic needs.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
Because that could really be interesting.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
-
This has created interesting bedfellows, where politicians on both sides of the aisle increasingly agree that regulations must be streamlined to support supply.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Instead, Reeves became Estragon, the more simplistic and long-suffering of the duo, while Winter tackled Vladimir, the more commanding and verbose character.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Since the late 90s, Jungen has forged a name for himself internationally through his commanding sculptural practice.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Fentanyl, which was responsible for the overwhelming majority of them, doesn’t come from Venezuela, and the Coast Guard has no record of seizing it in the Caribbean.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
21 Oct. 2025
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The purchase of the rifle was possible because IMPD and the Marion County prosecutors never filed a red flag petition with the court after seizing the shotgun.—
Tony Cook,
IndyStar,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Sabatini said that former President Ronald Reagan's doctrine included intervening on behalf of and supporting military governments with the intention of stopping the spread of communism.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Sabres goalie Alex Lyon had about as much chance of stopping the shot as an extra-large pepperoni and bacon stood of surviving a Friday night in the Kloke household.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The series cemented Kinney’s spot in children’s libraries across the country and among lists of the most engaging kids’ books.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
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The Red Shirt’s job is to be dynamic, engaging and memorable.—
Jason BARNARD,
Rolling Stone,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
But people in the control group didn’t have a noticeable change.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
23 Oct. 2025
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To economists like Zandi, however, the country still remains at high risk of entering a downturn, with inflation, softness in the labor market and noticeable declines in consumer confidence weighing on their forecasts.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Bands of masked men apprehending people in broad daylight in the streets and hauling them off.—
J. David McSwane,
ProPublica,
18 Oct. 2025
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The swift police response and use of video surveillance technology proved crucial in identifying and apprehending the shooter.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians and environmental advocacy group the Friends of the Everglades filed an early lawsuit that resulted in halting the construction of Alligator Alcatraz, arguing that the facility harms the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
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In January, Lau entered a Rule 11 agreement with Paxton, halting her from practicing.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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