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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of arresting
Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2024
Trending on Billboard Few stories were able to break through that nail-biting chart showdown, but the ones that did were equally arresting.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Greg Wehner, Fox News, 22 Dec. 2024
But Maduro seems to have concluded that arresting such an internationally high-profile leader isn’t worth the headache.
—Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for arresting 
Adjective
Some of the most arresting moments have a mix of reflective wisdom and hopeful resilience.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2024
Trending on Billboard Few stories were able to break through that nail-biting chart showdown, but the ones that did were equally arresting.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
The train was ordered to stop at the next station, where two transit officers boarded and located the person of interest before arresting him without further incident.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 22 Dec. 2024
But Maduro seems to have concluded that arresting such an internationally high-profile leader isn’t worth the headache.
—Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
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Di Placido covers TikTok and Twitter trends, breaking down interesting conversations ...—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Historians said these denarii are particularly interesting because of their role in spreading the emperor’s propaganda message of his holiness and connection to the church, according to the museum.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Are Liverpool really as strong as their commanding lead implies?—
Oliver Kay,
The Athletic,
13 Jan. 2025
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The role required Kapoor to maintain a commanding physical presence throughout filming.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
31 Dec. 2024
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
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Individuals are seizing opportunities as well.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
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
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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
Adjective
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Bird Buddy plans to launch the Petal camera on Kickstarter this spring, continuing their mission of connecting technology with nature in engaging and user-friendly ways.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
8 Jan. 2025
-
In person, Xzibit is charismatic, engaging and, yes, funny.—
Kyle Eustice,
SPIN,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The difference in how Andrew carries himself now is noticeable, Caroline said.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Jan. 2025
-
For a movie that looks so remarkably good – from the oppressive, classical set design to the astounding lighting work – Ash's (Rook this time around) uncanny comeback was a noticeable exception.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The controversy has also strained South Korea's political system, halting high-level diplomacy, rattling financial markets, and spotlighting weaknesses in its governance structure.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Jan. 2025
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Nevertheless, halting the pipeline sent European Union natural gas prices rising to 50 euros ($52), their highest since the 330-euro spike in 2022 after the invasion.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC News,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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More intriguing will be how each player uses their new affinity for the other’s calling card, as an efficient winning machine and a great showman meet — just not in the way tennis fans would have expected.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
19 Jan. 2025
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Star pitcher Roki Sasaki ended the suspense of the most intriguing free agency of the offseason.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near arresting
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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