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

But even without proof, the only truth the authorities recognize stems from unfounded accusations, and Enzo is soon embroiled in a scandal where the burden of proof is reversed. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026

Clark had also been embroiled in a federal investigation into the union’s finances. —Evan Drellich, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026

The controversy is the latest in a series of scandals that Peru’s Presidents have become embroiled in. —Connor Greene, Time, 18 Feb. 2026

Aldermen also became embroiled in a heated but symbolic debate about hemp after Johnson vetoed an ordinance approved by the council last month that would have broadly banned many intoxicating hemp substances. —Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 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