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
Zaheer Kazmi, Foreign Affairs, 2 Aug. 2016
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
Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025
Remember when California was arresting people walking alone on the beach?
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
Perhaps the most arresting signs of this shift came during the week before the referendum.
—Zaheer Kazmi, Foreign Affairs, 2 Aug. 2016
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
This comes on the heels of the Legislature and governor passing a law that calls for arresting people who sleep in public.
—Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025
Remember when California was arresting people walking alone on the beach?
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
Aston’s Formula 1 Team has now teamed up with another distillery, Glenfiddich, on a new 16-year-old single malt that was aged in an interesting variety of casks.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Meteor Crater is a geological warm-up act to the Grand Canyon, an interesting diversion worth visiting near Winslow.—
Olivia Rose,
AZCentral.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
DeJean had an interception returned for a 38-yard touchdown in the second quarter that gave the Eagles a commanding 17-0 lead over the Chiefs.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
The New York Yankees once had a commanding lead in the American League East.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Pretending to be dead, Gi-hun and his friends launch a surprise attack, overpowering the guards and seizing their weapons, leaving only one guard alive.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
-
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) forces have since received training by Russian forces in the Far East and first engaged in combat with Ukrainian military in November, subsequently seizing their first village in Kursk, Plekhovo, earlier this month.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The director led the way past Dig HQ, past the two lichen-shaggy standing stones in the garden, and down a slope to Structure 27, Tam running ahead and stopping at the edge of the trench.—
Peter Ross,
Smithsonian Magazine,
8 Jan. 2025
-
What’s stopping organizations from reaping the benefits of AI right now?—
Jesse Todd,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The key to an engaging opening is a hook – something counterintuitive, unusual, or mysterious that sets the scene by establishing the who, what, where, when, and why.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
In the engaging trailer that continues the sinister tale of Vault-Tec, The Ghoul arrives in New Vegas alongside Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell) and Dogmeat, trudging into the outskirts of New Vegas.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
There's a noticeable difference between similar comforters made with down and down alternatives.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The lines on the court illustrate the noticeable boundary differences.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Even if researchers are able to cobble together the funds to help their participants exit trials safely, halting studies early could still nullify the contributions of the people who enrolled.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
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But halting her work now would mean skipping a final assessment for at least 20 people, to check their viral load and determine their next course of treatment.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Cora did not announce who would be added to the rotation, though the Red Sox have some intriguing options in Kyle Harrison and Payton Tolle.—
Michael Hurley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
-
This is an intriguing story that looks set to keep running.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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