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

By contrast, significant upticks in routine vaccination coverage in Sudan, a country embroiled in a brutal civil conflict, show that access to lifesaving services for children can improve even in a difficult operating environment. — Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Outside of the selection, the festival’s parent body, the Venice Biennale, is embroiled in its own culture war with the European Union over its move to invite Russia to its Art Biennale earlier this year. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 July 2026

Confirmation of the couple’s relationship comes as Mortensen remains embroiled in a legal battle with Taylor relating to the custody of the pair’s child together, Ever, 2. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

In the decade since their divorce, Jolie and Pitt 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, 22 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