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

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

Plympton and his team’s work is so arresting, balancing the grotesque and beautiful, the chaotic and serene, that the story inevitably takes a back seat to the art. —Barry Levitt, Vulture, 31 May 2024

And the cover art and photo by Glen E. Friedman are so arresting — no pun intended. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 28 June 2023

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