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
Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Plympton and his team’s work is so arresting, balancing the grotesque and beautiful, the chaotic and serene, that the story inevitably takes a back seat to the art.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 14 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
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
Plympton and his team’s work is so arresting, balancing the grotesque and beautiful, the chaotic and serene, that the story inevitably takes a back seat to the art.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 14 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
-
The tools are in place and the flashes are interesting.—
Gary Bedore
July 28,
Kansas City Star,
28 July 2025
-
With the season around the corner, these are the 10 most interesting Irish players to track during camp.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Sox scored four in the fourth to take a commanding 9-0 lead.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
26 July 2025
-
And that one draw was only because two days were lost to rain at Old Trafford in Manchester when England were in a commanding position at a pivotal stage of the most recent Ashes series against Australia two years ago.—
Paul Newman,
New York Times,
12 July 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
-
Another wall had an engaging ethnographic, floor to ceiling video take on all the ways people use bathrooms (brushing their teeth, putting on make-up, diapering their kids).—
Michelle Greenwald,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
Having Grok around will hopefully make your drive more engaging.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
For later stages, incorporating regenerative in-office treatments can make a noticeable difference.—
Elycia Rubin,
HollywoodReporter,
30 July 2025
-
Ay Papi’s Whitethorn Rose Single Origin Live Rosin Infused Gummies are colorless and melt in the mouth with a noticeable musky cannabis flavor accompanied by sweet, tropical fruit notes.—
IRENE ADELINE MILANEZ,
Sacbee.com,
28 July 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
-
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
Adjective
-
The free-agent market is pretty empty on worthwhile upgrades, so trading for a younger linebacker (read: under 30) with an intriguing pedigree would be ideal.—
Mike Kaye
July 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 July 2025
-
The slot corner position is one of the more intriguing position battles to watch this summer, as Ohio State could go in a number of directions.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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