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
Darryn King, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Architecture Structure and exterior design The most arresting features of the Sydney Opera House are, of course, its overlapping concrete shells, or sails.
—Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024
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
As Andrew Lloyd Webber’s go-to orchestrator during some of the composer’s most creative years, Cullen has translated many of the composer’s most arresting melodies into lush, full-bodied and evocative orchestral music.
—Darryn King, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Architecture Structure and exterior design The most arresting features of the Sydney Opera House are, of course, its overlapping concrete shells, or sails.
—Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024
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
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They were chosen for their affinity with sneaker culture, their interesting stories and their distinct personal style, Coach said.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
23 Apr. 2025
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Solid Color Rug This goes-with-everything rug is sure to match your existing decor, while adding a visually interesting pop of texture to any room.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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On election day, early results gave Cárdenas a commanding lead over the PRI’s candidate, Carlos Salinas de Gortari.—
Stephania Taladrid,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
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After the first leg in Lyon had ended 2-2 last week, United took a commanding lead in Thursday’s return fixture thanks to first-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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That means that any sudden car movements – stopping, accelerating, or turning – could cause the tires to skid on top of the snow.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
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What’s stopping organizations from reaping the benefits of AI right now?—
Jesse Todd,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The difference here, apart from the two-on-two setup, is that the background makes the battles more mysterious and engaging.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Conor Coventry is open, engaging and affable, but one question from The Athletic prompts the former West Ham United youth product to pause for thought.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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But within weeks, the change in sentiment was noticeable.—
Pradeep Prasana Kanagaraj,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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The Cincinnati Bengals have added one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 class, selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart with the No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.—
Paul Dehner Jr.,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Once she’s done blending, her full glam results are stunning yet intriguing, with a playful feminine hue.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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