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
Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
The way Emma deploys speech — her cruelty in it — was very arresting.
—Paula Aceves, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
The affidavit further alleges that Bell gave arresting officers the name of her older sister.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
Nicki has a distinctive flow, an almost arresting look that made the fashion and beauty industries take note and the Trinidadian rapper put her own spin on women’s sexuality and empowerment.
—Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
The way Emma deploys speech — her cruelty in it — was very arresting.
—Paula Aceves, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
Early in the morning on May 6, police in riot gear encircled the encampment and ordered everyone to clear out, arresting 64 individuals who stayed.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
The affidavit further alleges that Bell gave arresting officers the name of her older sister.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
Even as a young writer, her talent for digging up interesting stats, along with her contagious positivity and love for the game, set her apart in a crowded media landscape.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
Available in deep blue or soft pink varieties, the spiky blooms make excellent cut flowers, adding interesting texture to bouquets.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Few materials feel so commanding and permanent as concrete.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2026
-
On Monday night, the Magic stunned the Pistons in Central Florida to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That’s not currently the case with José Caballero, a career utilityman, seizing his shot to start at shortstop over the past few weeks.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
3 May 2026
-
Unlike Friday’s Oaks, where Ortiz had Always a Runner near the leaders before taking charge through the final turn and soaring past Meaning for a 1 1/4-length win, seizing the Derby required everything from jockey and mount.—
Gary B. Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
That led many to believe that, while treatments and crisis care are vital, the goal of suicide prevention needs to expand beyond stopping people from dying to also giving them reasons to live.—
Aneri Pattani,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Bain walked purposefully, never slowing, never stopping — not even to size himself up in his new Bucs hat in the mirror — before striding onstage for a hug with the commissioner.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 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
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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
-
Rivals provide more engaging driving dynamics, but the Envista isn't designed to be thrilling.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
-
Kelly Clarkson has certainly earned her place as the queen of daytime talk shows, thanks to her standout guests and engaging conversations.—
Sarah DiMuro,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, where your structure is more noticeable.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The combination of skilled care, more affordable pricing, and the appeal of travelling for treatment has shaped a noticeable trend.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Aided by the Coast Guard's Cutter Florence Finch, Air and Marine Operations' Long Beach Marine Unit crew intercepted the boat near San Nicolas Island, apprehending 29 Mexican nationals.—
Robert McGreevy,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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