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
Barry Levitt, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
Some of the most arresting pages in the series depict Mr. Sattouf’s experience as a child in Ter Maaleh, his father’s village.
—Richard Fausset, New York Times, 24 Jan. 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
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
Some of the most arresting pages in the series depict Mr. Sattouf’s experience as a child in Ter Maaleh, his father’s village.
—Richard Fausset, New York Times, 24 Jan. 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
-
Today, the company prides itself on continuously adding to their menu with interesting doughnut variations and collaborations.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
With the rise in volume, comes the surge in new, interesting voices.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
15 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
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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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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
-
The characters themselves make for an exceptionally engaging series.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
17 July 2025
-
For instance, slowing your pace just enough to let key points land and adding variation to your pitch makes your message more engaging and credible.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
Some people find that getting a tan makes their acne less noticeable, but these effects are temporary.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
15 July 2025
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Speaking of titles with a noticeable presence on the streaming originals list is Stranger Things, which hasn’t debuted any new episodes in three years.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
14 July 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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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
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General Manager Ryan Poles used trades and free agency to overhaul the middle of the offensive line, then selected intriguing targets Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III in the draft.—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Actually, one of the more intriguing names became available Monday, with the Wizards waiving Richaun Holmes.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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