arresting

1 of 2

adjective

ar·​rest·​ing ə-ˈre-stiŋ How to pronounce arresting (audio)
Synonyms of arresting
: catching the attention : striking, impressive
an arresting image
arrestingly
ə-ˈre-stiŋ-lē How to pronounce arresting (audio)
adverb

arresting

2 of 2

present participle of arrest entry 1

Synonyms of arresting

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Adjective

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Examples of arresting in a Sentence

Adjective 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
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.
Adjective
But the most arresting moments on Almost Waking come when Fratti opens her mouth. — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026 What proved most arresting, however, was not the overt provocation of the work, but its manipulation of duration and attention. — Andrew S. Jacobson, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026 And in a competitive mass market, bigger often meant publishing more stories which were more arresting, more scandalous, more emotionally loaded. — Hank Green, Time, 7 May 2026 Perhaps the most arresting piece of paleopathological evidence for our meat dependence comes from Tanzania. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arresting

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of arrest entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arresting was in 1792

Phrases Containing arresting

Rhymes for arresting

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Browse Nearby Words

arrester hook
arresting
arresting gear
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Cite this Entry

“Arresting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arresting. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

arresting

adjective
ar·​rest·​ing ə-ˈres-tiŋ How to pronounce arresting (audio)
: catching the attention
an arresting painting
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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