embroil

verb

em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l 

embroiled; embroiling; embroils

transitive verb

1

: to throw into disorder or confusion

2

: to involve in conflict or difficulties

embroiled in controversy

embroilment

im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of embroil

• tangle
• trap
• broil
• bog (down)
• enmesh

Examples of embroil in a Sentence

His stand on this issue has embroiled him in controversy.

The new drug has been embroiled in controversy.

They were embroiled in a complicated lawsuit.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her character, a woman experiencing homelessness, becomes embroiled in a legal battle before being revealed as the biological mother of Samantha and Tyrell Richardson. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2026

An average of recent polls compiled by RealClearPolitics shows Ossoff with a more than 8% lead over Collins, who is embroiled in a House ethics investigation over improper use of funds and links to white supremacists. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2026

But the big four are also embroiled in various battles over access to listings. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026

Opposition parties warned the agreement could put Turkish soldiers in harm's way and embroil the country in other nations’ conflicts. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French embrouiller, from Middle French, from en- + brouiller to jumble, from Old French brooilier, from Vulgar Latin *brodiculare — more at broil

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for embroil

• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil
• topsoil
• trefoil
• turmoil
• aerofoil

Kids Definition

embroil

verb

em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(ə)l 

1

: to throw into disorder or confusion

2

: to involve in conflict or difficulties

embroiled in a lawsuit

embroilment

-mənt 

noun