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

Ridglan Farms has been embroiled in years of accusations of animal mistreatment. —Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 5 May 2026

Meanwhile, Musk is currently embroiled in a separate legal action with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. —Lora Kolodny,matt Peterson, CNBC, 4 May 2026

The Crack'd Egg was heavily embroiled in controversy during the COVID-19 pandemic as the restaurant defied health department closure orders and refused to enforce Pennsylvania's mask mandates at the time. —Mike Darnay, CBS News, 4 May 2026

At the moment though, Perry is embroiled in a more serious controversy, facing new accusations of assault. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 4 May 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