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
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch has said several operations already underway in Michoacán, including arresting those involved in organized crime, would be strengthened.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 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 character was really arresting and jumped off the page.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch has said several operations already underway in Michoacán, including arresting those involved in organized crime, would be strengthened.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
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The citrus added just enough brightness and texture to keep each bite interesting without overcomplicating things.—
Evan Moore
November 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Nov. 2025
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The interesting thing about when I was hired was the board was comprised largely of people who had been there from the beginning — the big-ticket people like Roger Corman and Mark Damon.—
Kevin Cassidy,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The World Series continues with Game 6 as the Dodgers look to take a commanding 3-1 lead.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Taylor opted to go sans top beneath the jacket, heightening the commanding sensual style.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Monday’s agreement stems from the August 2023 search of the Marion County Record, as well as the home of the paper’s publisher and a councilwoman, seizing reporters’ cell phones and computers, among other items.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
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Since seizing power, the Burmese military has waged an unrelenting campaign of terror.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Federal judge Julia Kobick in Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction stopping the Administration from enforcing the policy against Orr and six other individual plaintiffs in April.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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Now, a passenger aircraft that can complete make the journey without stopping is in the final stages of construction, Qantas announced on Friday, releasing first images of the plane as it is assembled.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The production journey has involved balancing the original promise of the short film while creating an engaging genre piece.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
29 Oct. 2025
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Users can create immersive, emotionally engaging performances with this feature, without the need for technical review.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Similarly, the depth of the pile doesn’t rebound if furniture is moved, which can be noticeable for a period of time.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
6 Nov. 2025
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Just as Mamdani aims to improve the lives of young people more broadly, those working under him could see a noticeable shift in how the workplace is run.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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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
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An early-morning group stop ordered by the FAA due to staffing levels, halting all flights, gave way a short time later to a delay spurred by clouds and fog.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
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The cold causes bacteria to go dormant, temporarily halting their growth.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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