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

Nicholson played Lori, Mare’s best friend, whose son becomes embroiled in the murder investigation. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 July 2026

Word of his death spreads along nearby Willow Road, where an immigrant Hindu enclave, embroiled in feuds amid Pathways and Cash & Carry, is shattered by the mystery at the heart of Bindu Bansinath’s debut. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

Truax is also embroiled in a lawsuit with a Boise River Runners co-owner, who alleged in 2025 that Truax and another owner approached the company for a loan for construction activities. — Carolyn Komatsoulis updated July 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026

Impacts on lawsuits The county is still embroiled in a legal dispute with the Missouri State Tax Commission over the 2023 and 2024 tax cycles. — Ilana Arougheti july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 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