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
Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
The way Emma deploys speech — her cruelty in it — was very arresting.
—Paula Aceves, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
The task force did not answer questions about the use of traffic stops as a primary means of arresting immigrants who are not authorized to be in the United States.
—Wendi C. Thomas, MLK50, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
Nicki has a distinctive flow, an almost arresting look that made the fashion and beauty industries take note and the Trinidadian rapper put her own spin on women’s sexuality and empowerment.
—Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
The way Emma deploys speech — her cruelty in it — was very arresting.
—Paula Aceves, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
The raid left Charlotte’s Latin American population reeling but ICE agents kept up the pace statewide after the Border Patrol left, arresting an average of about 20 people per day in December, January and February.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
The task force did not answer questions about the use of traffic stops as a primary means of arresting immigrants who are not authorized to be in the United States.
—Wendi C. Thomas, MLK50, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
If Houston wins that one, things start to get really interesting for a 3-0 comeback.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Orlando would scurry to get back in the game and thanks to some lucky breaks in the second half, the Storm were able to make things interesting.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Few materials feel so commanding and permanent as concrete.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2026
-
On Monday night, the Magic stunned the Pistons in Central Florida to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jaden McDaniels and the Minnesota Timberwolves flexed even more of their defensive muscle against the flagging Denver Nuggets, seizing a 2-1 lead in the first-round NBA playoff series with a dominant 113-96 victory on Thursday night.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Multiple videos show a masked federal agent seizing a 57-year-old woman, who says she was put in a chokehold, during the protest in Durango.—
Morgan Lee,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That led many to believe that, while treatments and crisis care are vital, the goal of suicide prevention needs to expand beyond stopping people from dying to also giving them reasons to live.—
Aneri Pattani,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Bain walked purposefully, never slowing, never stopping — not even to size himself up in his new Bucs hat in the mirror — before striding onstage for a hug with the commissioner.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 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
-
Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Mercury in your 5th House of Creativity keeps your personal expression active and engaging.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The new guard of creators and brand strategists who have built communities from the ground up know their method is much more effective and engaging than a top-down model.—
Caitlin White,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, where your structure is more noticeable.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The combination of skilled care, more affordable pricing, and the appeal of travelling for treatment has shaped a noticeable trend.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Aided by the Coast Guard's Cutter Florence Finch, Air and Marine Operations' Long Beach Marine Unit crew intercepted the boat near San Nicolas Island, apprehending 29 Mexican nationals.—
Robert McGreevy,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Just before the 2026 season, former Glory defensive tackle and eight-time All-Pro Syreeta Gapelu brought even more attention to the team by tackling and apprehending a man attempting to steal her car.—
PJ Green
April 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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