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

And Meta has been embroiled in controversy over concerns about its AI smart glasses being used to record others without their consent. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

In the decade since their divorce, the former couple have been embroiled in a series of legal battles that have pulled back the curtain on their allegedly tumultuous family life. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Cunningham is currently embroiled in controversy after stating that female athletes should not have to compete against biological males. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026

For years, Mayor Brad Miller had been embroiled in a local dispute with a resident named Ricky Manz over the old Richmound School, which had closed in 2008 and been abandoned for almost a decade. — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 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