Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for arrest. Search instead for arrest/6.
Definitions

arrest

[uh-rest] / əˈrɛst /
NOUN
taking into custody
Synonyms
STRONGEST
capture detention imprisonment incarceration jailing
STRONG
accommodation apprehension appropriation bag bust captivity collar commitment confinement constraint crimp drop fall gaff glom grab heat hook mitt nab nail nick nip pickle pinch pull restraining sequestering snare sweep
WEAK
booby trap pick up preventive custody protective custody pull in run-in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
freedom release
STRONG
liberation refusal rise
WEAK
activation encouragement letting go
NOUN
slowing or stopping
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delay suspension
STRONG
blockage cessation check checking end halt hindrance inhibition interruption obstruction prevention restraining restraint stalling stay staying stoppage suppression
Antonyms
STRONG
advance aid assistance beginning commencement continuation freedom go help liberation promotion start
WEAK
activation encouragement letting go release
VERB
take into authorized custody
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apprehend capture catch detain imprison incarcerate jail round up seize
STRONG
bag book brace bust collar drop gaff get glom grab hook kick nab nail net nick pinch pull secure sidetrack snag tab tag
WEAK
pick up pull in put the arm on put the cuffs on roust run-in take in take prisoner toss in jail
Antonyms
STRONGEST
free let go liberate lose misunderstand release
STRONG
exonerate loosen take up unfasten
WEAK
activate encourage
VERB
stop or slow
Synonyms
STRONGEST
end halt hold stay
STRONG
block can check delay drop freeze hinder inhibit interrupt obstruct prevent restrain restrict retard scrub stall suppress
WEAK
knock off shut down
Antonyms
STRONG
advance aid allow assist continue encourage expedite free further help let go liberate permit promote push release
WEAK
activate
VERB
get someone's attention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
catch
STRONG
absorb engage engross fascinate grip
Antonyms
STRONG
eject let go reject release repel
WEAK
activate encourage

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Jurors were not shown the aftermath of Hipolito’s arrest, which went viral on social media.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

In 2011, Antonov was arrested in Britain on the strength of a Lithuanian arrest warrant issued over the collapse of the Snoras Bank, but later released.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The “Federal Contraband” hitmaker was still on house arrest in January when the alleged music studio takeover took place.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Lord Mandelson was released on bail by the Met Police in February after his arrest in north London.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

For Apollinaire, this was worse than everything that had come before—worse than the arrest, the photographers, the humiliation.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.