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

The administration is already embroiled in multiple lawsuits challenging different parts of the government's tariff policy. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026

Just days before the royal wedding, he became embroiled in a controversy involving staged paparazzi photographs. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

The incoming Democratic majority will inherit a board that has spent much of the past two years embroiled in political infighting, leadership turnover and lawsuits. — Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026

But the truce between Germany and the Allies was the first step to ending a war that had cost millions of lives and embroiled almost every country and region on Earth. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 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