arresting 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈre-stiŋ How to pronounce arresting (audio)
Definition of arrestingnext
1
as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest an arresting film about tribal traditions in Africa

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commanding
likely to attract attention at seven feet tall, he's an arresting figure in any crowd

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

arresting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of arrest
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

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of 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 Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony played no small role in lifting the collective mood, preparing Tokyo to create what now feels like the world’s most arresting capital. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
Even beneath the stark, soulless glare of studio lights, the Valen is instantly arresting. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2026 More than 300 federal, state and local law enforcement officers carried out a takedown later that month, arresting 18 people while Henderson evaded capture. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arresting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting
  1. interesting
  2. commanding
  3. seizing
  4. stopping
  5. fascinating
  6. engaging
  7. noticeable
  8. apprehending
Adjective
  • The angled sides create a visually interesting silhouette, while the glass front distinguishes it from a mere box of wood.
    — Evan Russum, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Classic notes are also growing up this season—tonka is vanilla’s more interesting older sister, able to shift from woody to dry to nutty, depending on the present company.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of interesting
Adjective
  • Adrián Marín set up the play with his pass to Tiago as Orlando took what seemed to be a commanding lead in the second half.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Arendt comes most fully alive, though, when Meyer lets her own extravagant, commanding voice carry the story forward.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of commanding
Verb
  • Options like seizing Iranian assets and sanctioning Iran’s trading partners, exchange houses, and Chinese banks all have potential downsides.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • For years, Hayward police have investigated Johnson as a suspect, seizing his phones, testing Hunter’s clothing for DNA, and interviewing witnesses, but just recently convinced prosecutors to file a case.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of seizing
Verb
  • After stopping for gas, the suspect takes off with the gas nozzle still attached to the bike.
    — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Like actual religion, to continue on versus stopping becomes a question of faith.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of stopping
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
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • Rather than create self-promotional content, organizations should, therefore, address broader topics connected to their business and explain their relation to real-world trends or challenges in an authentic and engaging way.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Here are a few important ideas that can fortify children who are entering this unknown land – as told through five engaging books that may help new students prepare for their journey ahead.
    — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of engaging
Adjective
  • Some treatments made a noticeable difference; others raised more questions than answers.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Kickstarter file came out dimensionally accurate, with good overhangs out to 85 degrees, but the stringing was noticeable and prominent.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of noticeable
Verb
  • The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation initially contacted Roswell police and asked for assistance locating and apprehending Spruill.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • She’s tasked with apprehending The Puppet Master (Iemasa Kayumi), a hacker who appears to be tapping directly into these networked minds and altering memories.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprehending

Browse Nearby Words

arrestees
arresting
arrestment
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Cite this Entry

“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of arresting for Spanish Speakers

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