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
Simon Hughes, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Casa Malca remains one of the most visually arresting addresses right on the beach, with 70 suites.
—Gina Góngora, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 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
The police are quite capable of arresting people on demonstrations for holding up a placard.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Casa Malca remains one of the most visually arresting addresses right on the beach, with 70 suites.
—Gina Góngora, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
San Diego State took us on a journey that was almost always interesting and often entertaining.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Head down for a late-night drink to run into other stylish, interesting locals who frequent the hangout, who are usually friendly enough to chat or spot you an extra shot of Ògógóró.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s something new at work — a cultural hairpin turn — in the way that Apple is made out to be a figure of commanding but toxic damage.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Republicans have a less commanding lead, 52-44, among Catholics.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even after seizing a wanted dictator out of Venezuela and while monitoring an air war in Iran.—
John Scott Lewinski,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
But seizing it will require more than capital and talent.—
François Candelon,
Fortune,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Leave the resort to dine at Sunset Mona Lisa, a neighboring cliffside terrace where Mediterranean-leaning plates play second fiddle to the show-stopping tangerine-pink sunsets.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Arizona's prosecution comes shortly after Kalshi filed preemptive civil actions against Utah, Iowa and the Grand Canyon State in hopes of stopping those states from acting against the platform.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
17 Mar. 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
-
In lesser hands, this could have been confusing; instead all the banter between a rock-spider-crawly alien entity and a handsome de-facto astronaut comes across as engaging and funny.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Swan is an engaging frontwoman as well as having the requisite smarts.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The brush consistently delivers the right amount of product, creating noticeable length and definition that make my eyes pop.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2026
-
In his second game back after February hamate bone surgery, the switch-hitting shortstop took swings from both sides of the plate with no noticeable pain.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
An immigration approach that focuses on apprehending dangerous criminals and steers clear of raiding businesses might help the labor market’s loss of workers.—
Matt Peterson,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Federal agents have targeted schools and bus stops, apprehending adults and children.—
Daniel Cueto-Villalobos,
The Conversation,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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