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
Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 26 Apr. 2026
The puppeteers, who are often front and center, set the pace for the entire show and create some of the most arresting visual effects, centering their work around the voyages and adventures of two main actors.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 May 2026
The department's robbery and homicide division is listed as the arresting agency.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Adjective
The most arresting aspect of her art is the live show - with Cherie performing barefoot behind a translucent screen for her 40-minute set.
—Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 26 Apr. 2026
The puppeteers, who are often front and center, set the pace for the entire show and create some of the most arresting visual effects, centering their work around the voyages and adventures of two main actors.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Costume designer Shirley Kurata uses texture, detail, and vivacious colors to create elaborate artworks that the hair and makeup department has complemented with aplomb, creating visually arresting results.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 May 2026
The department's robbery and homicide division is listed as the arresting agency.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
Adjective
-
The mini-bar had a decent selection of interesting snacks, and for coffee there’s a Nespresso machine.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
The white, wavy detailing adds just enough contrast to feel fresh and interesting without sacrificing comfort or versatility.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Ellis is the commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson in Colorado.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
28 May 2026
-
Before the splitting of the Bronx into two commands, for the last three years Gurley was the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Bronx, overseeing the entire borough.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Survivors describe squeezing through treacherous tunnels and seizing a brief drop in water levels to walk out, as tearful scenes greeted their emergence and uncertainty lingers over the missing pair.—
Jintamas Saksornchai,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
In recent years, the Houthis have demonstrated their ability to disrupt maritime navigation near Bab al-Mandeb by attacking, seizing and sinking vessels passing through its waters.—
CNN Staff,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
The latest the series can end is June 17; the shield stopping him from answering questions — not just about his past, but his present and future — is likely to stay in place.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
-
Texas is split down the middle on which issue should take priority — stopping voter fraud or preventing eligible citizens from being turned away at the ballot box — as a poll shows the split is not a sign of moderation but of deep partisan polarization.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
2 June 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
-
It's designed to help students and families build financial confidence in a fun and engaging way.—
Najahe Sherman,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
-
Writing about Monroe’s reading habits demands a lot of speculation on the part of Crowther, who’s written engaging books on Dorothy Parker, Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2026
Adjective
-
This is particularly noticeable in the ballroom area, which hosts weekly wedding events, as well as other social and business functions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
But let’s get back to that extraordinary customizable dashboard, one of the most noticeable features.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service and New Mexico State Police assisted in apprehending Jones, Hann said.—
Caroline Zimmerman
May 28,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
-
Federal immigration agents fanned across the city, apprehending workers at car washes, garment businesses, Home Depots and other locations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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