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

Spain, embroiled in civil war, did not enter. —Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025

Enquirer media partner Fox19 reported that his suspension came as the city of Cincinnati is embroiled in a wrongful termination lawsuit filed in 2023 by the former fire chief, Michael Washington, who was fired. —Aaron Valdez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2025

The farm has been embroiled in a legal battle with the CFIA for nearly a year over the matter. —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025

Republicans have focused on the attorney general race in Virginia, where Miyares faces Democrat Jay Jones, who has been embroiled in a texting scandal. —Zac Anderson, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

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