ARRESTING Synonyms: 293 Similar and Opposite Words

arresting 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈre-stiŋ

Definition of arresting

as in interesting

holding the attention or provoking interest an arresting film about tribal traditions in Africa

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

arresting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of arrest

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

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

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

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

Yet when journalists began reporting on the grand jury report, Uthmeier talked about arresting them … for asking questions. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 There is no evidence that investigators sought cell phone data, internet search history or account information for the suspect’s profile before arresting Nick. — Kate Payne, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arresting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for arresting

Adjective

Those are impressive numbers, but the interesting part is how Creality has arrived at them.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
And here’s where your Social Security concern gets interesting.

— Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of interesting

Verb

Frieze Week in London has stopped being just about Frieze London and Frieze Masters as smaller fairs are seizing the opportunity for more intimate fair models.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Not to say that Vara is working in bad faith, but there is an ugly history of bad actors seizing on these kinds of accusations against writers of color.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of seizing

Verb

While Joseph was productive with his legs, garnering 71 yards and one touchdown, the Bruins were effectively stopping the run — a theme consistent throughout the season — limiting the Badger running backs to 54 yards.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Dylan, who adheres to a constant tour schedule and shows no signs of stopping soon, was 75 years-old when given his Nobel.

— Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of stopping

Verb

From bizarre medical tests to a mass phobia of beans, here are 14 surprising facts that reveal just how inventive, eccentric, and fascinating the ancient Greeks really were.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
The trailer promises fascinating new characters, like one man who lives on a sailboat for most of the year.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinating

Adjective

The goal is to make the information clearer, more accessible, and more engaging for new motorists.

— Kellye Lynn, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Set against the backdrop of the early 1970s, the series offers a warm and engaging portrayal of their relationship and the events surrounding it.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of engaging

Adjective

The research fellow also argued that the additional Russian diesel entering global markets is not sufficient to produce a noticeable reduction in consumer fuel prices in the short term.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
The brand's emblem, which is incorporated into the translucent monoblock LED taillight beneath the seat and is sculpted by the bike's lights themselves, is the most noticeable of all Fragment elements.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of noticeable

Verb

The film cuts between Murray cautiously opening the suspicious package and FBI agents apprehending Kaczynski decades later.

— Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
One deputy suffered minor injuries while apprehending Cody Frank, while another was treated for possible fentanyl exposure after taking one of the suspects to jail, authorities said.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprehending

Browse Nearby Words

arrestees

arresting

arrestment

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arresting. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of arresting

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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