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
Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2025
Yet the most vital and arresting moment occurs 19 pages in, well before Osunde has formally introduced most of the novel’s players.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 29 July 2025
Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 13 Feb. 2026
To be sure, arresting undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes is a worthy goal.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
His most arresting movies are about everyday folks living out their lives in a Chekovian, destiny-in-lowercase dynamic.
—Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2025
Yet the most vital and arresting moment occurs 19 pages in, well before Osunde has formally introduced most of the novel’s players.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 29 July 2025
Verb
Troopers could be seen chasing him a few steps before arresting him at gunpoint.
—Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 13 Feb. 2026
To be sure, arresting undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes is a worthy goal.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
Those are interesting, detailed questions.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
But with a gritty performance and one decisive shot, the Bruins rewrote their story, capping an interesting chapter in their illustrious history.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In an indictment Thursday, federal prosecutors said Kevin Taylor attempted to steer an $11 million contract toward the company, SaferWatch, while serving as the commanding officer of the department's School Safety Division.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The President demoted Greg Bovino, the commanding agent in charge of the roving patrols that have besieged Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minneapolis.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Virginia started the second half with a 12-3 run, seizing a 51-47 lead on Mallory’s long 3-pointer.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
22 Feb. 2026
-
In November 2022, FBI agents carried out a search and seizure warrant at Huntsman’s residence, seizing multiple items.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When stopping roadside, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
For years, the staunchest border hawks and hard-liners justified their positions in terms of stopping unlawful immigration.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
17 Feb. 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
-
The event will focus on wisdom and wellness, featuring engaging speakers, meaningful conversations, and breathtaking coastal views paired with exceptional cuisine, according to a news release.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
On Instagram, gallery posts played a pivotal role in their strategy, accounting for 70 percent of the channel’s top 20 most engaging posts.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Over time, that constant effort can lead to noticeable eyestrain, headaches or fatigue –particularly after reading, computer work or other close-up tasks.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Kaufman had last seen Weir in 2011, but the change was noticeable.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Mansfield Police Department Mansfield PD thanked the Missouri and Arkansas Highway Patrols for their help in safely recovering the missing child and apprehending the suspect.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Immigration enforcement efforts in Oklahoma also have focused heavily on apprehending commercial truckers driving on interstate highways.—
Nuria Martinez-Keel,
Oklahoma Voice,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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