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

It’s also embroiled in a lawsuit with Trader Joe’s, claiming that grocery chain’s packaging looks too similar to theirs. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Eastern Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, and fighting along the Ugandan and Rwandan borders has worsened in the last few years. — Stephanie Psaki, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026

Marisa Tomei, Kelly Macdonald, and David Harewood will star in the next legal battle, as their lawyers become embroiled in an explosive defamation case. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

The concerts at MetLife Stadium would later embroil Sheeran, his tour, Macklemore — and somehow pop star Pink — in controversy. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 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