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
Book Marks
september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
One of the arresting officers in that case recognized Tooley from a 2009 drug arrest — during which Tooley allegedly hid 16 bags of crack cocaine in his buttocks.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 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
As One of Us gleefully samples multiple registers—comic, tragic, satiric, elegiac, poetic—its mesh of archaic and contemporary styles becomes something quite arresting, a joy to read … Chaon’s beautiful novel insists on answers.
—Book Marks
september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
One of the arresting officers in that case recognized Tooley from a 2009 drug arrest — during which Tooley allegedly hid 16 bags of crack cocaine in his buttocks.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
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Add in the fact that Woolen is only 26 years old and things get even more interesting.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Safdie takes a story of passion and fury, of rage and torment, and reduces it to the arm’s-length mode of the interesting.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Instead, Reeves became Estragon, the more simplistic and long-suffering of the duo, while Winter tackled Vladimir, the more commanding and verbose character.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Since the late 90s, Jungen has forged a name for himself internationally through his commanding sculptural practice.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Metropolitan Police officers are also said to have raided Clarke’s home, seizing items including laptops and documents.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Governments worldwide are already seizing the opportunity to attract skilled workers to their countries.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That suit, which Lukenbill’s attorneys Brad Carroll and Michael Laino filed July 11, was primarily concerned with stopping efforts by the city to limit occupancy at the bar.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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Chappell Roan’s new hair color Based on reviews of the New York shows, KC audiences should expect show-stopping moments, a new hair color for the famous redhead, an emotional speech of thanks and perhaps a special guest.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While not tack-sharp like its GT4 sibling, the GTS features steering response that’s a top-shelf lesson in basic physics; low weight, low CG, and having all the weight centered between the axles makes for an authentically engaging experience.—
Peter Nelson,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
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This puzzle book provides hours of engaging activities that don't require batteries or Wi-Fi.—
Gabriela Garcia,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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There was a noticeable gap between Ocean dropping his studio debut Channel Orange in 2012 and his 2016 album releases Endless and Blonde — and fans noticed.—
Sophie Dodd,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
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The last two words, something Redick said the Lakers needed to be in after the team lost in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves during last year’s playoffs, has been the most noticeable priority shift in the earliest days of training camp.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
-
But also on board the ship that night is this detective who is charged with apprehending Providence.—
Olivia Petty,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The year Goldberg-Polin and her family arrived in Israel, the country launched Operation Cast Lead, a massive military operation aimed at halting intensifying Hamas mortar, missile and rocket fire terrorizing southern Israeli communities.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Attorneys for the Justice Department argued that halting the reallocations could delay distributing the funds to other states DHS had identified as higher priority under its new approach.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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