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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of arresting
Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 26 Apr. 2026
The puppeteers, who are often front and center, set the pace for the entire show and create some of the most arresting visual effects, centering their work around the voyages and adventures of two main actors.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
David Bauder, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Cops were scouring the area for surveillance footage in the hopes of tracking down and arresting the shooter.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
The most arresting aspect of her art is the live show - with Cherie performing barefoot behind a translucent screen for her 40-minute set.
—Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 26 Apr. 2026
The puppeteers, who are often front and center, set the pace for the entire show and create some of the most arresting visual effects, centering their work around the voyages and adventures of two main actors.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Most television journalists had fled Baghdad but CNN stayed, capturing arresting images of a war’s outbreak.
—David Bauder, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Cops were scouring the area for surveillance footage in the hopes of tracking down and arresting the shooter.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
An interesting wine list includes English sparkling wines like Hundred Hills, and there are 5,000 more bottles in the cellar.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
-
The psychologist found these analogies interesting.—
Weike Wang,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Xi’s expected to be a commanding presence as host, opposite a US president known more for relying on gut instinct than meticulous preparation.—
Sylvie Zhuang,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
-
Senior midfielder Meghan O’Donnell, who scored her eighth goal of the season during Libertyville’s 3-2 win over Waubonsie Valley on Thursday, said Chung is a commanding presence.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The laws, which her party backed in recent years, eliminated preliminary detention in certain cases and raised the threshold for seizing criminal assets.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 May 2026
-
Hollander plays a vicious Irish mobster hell bent on seizing the palatial estate Reno has dedicated his life to protect after its heir runs afoul of his compatriots abroad.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Those unable to swim two lengths of the pool without stopping should have a parent remain close enough to reach them.—
Laura Berrios,
AJC.com,
19 May 2026
-
The storm never fully fired, and Lisius and George eventually made their way back to Arlington, stopping for tacos along the way.—
Emily Holshouser
May 19,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 May 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
-
Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In his free time, Sebastian also enjoys playing video games, which gives him a chance to relax and connect with others in a fun and engaging way.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
-
Friday’s episode felt more engaging because Bayless set the tone.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
For families dealing with allergies, wildfire smoke, pets or newer homes with lingering chemical odors, upgrading to a real HEPA air purifier can make a noticeable difference.—
Ryan Brennan
May 18,
Charlotte Observer,
18 May 2026
-
Either way, the presence of the nutsedge has given a clear roadmap for corrective maintenance on an issue that often isn’t noticeable until root rot sets in.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
In the video shared exclusively with Fox News by ICE, officers are seen apprehending and arresting the Honduran national.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Danamarie McNicholl,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
-
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 compelled authorities in northern free states to assist in apprehending and returning those who escaped back to slavery.—
Jeremy Mennis,
The Conversation,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
