arresting

adjective

ar·​rest·​ing ə-ˈre-stiŋ 

: catching the attention : striking, impressive

an arresting image

arrestingly

ə-ˈre-stiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• absorbing
• consuming
• engaging
• engrossing
• enthralling
• fascinating
• gripping
• immersing
• interesting
• intriguing
• involving
• riveting

Examples of arresting in a Sentence

an arresting film about tribal traditions in Africa

at seven feet tall, he's an arresting figure in any crowd

Recent Examples on the Web

Choose this one in burgundy and wing it for a more dramatic and arresting look. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024

Her keynote slide captured one of the most arresting numbers of the day: that 2028 number implies a CAGR above 60% over a six-year period. —Patrick Moorhead, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of arrest entry 1

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing arresting

• arresting gear

Kids Definition

arresting

adjective

ar·​rest·​ing ə-ˈres-tiŋ 

: catching the attention

an arresting painting