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

Meanwhile, the corporation is embroiled in a multimillion dollar lawsuit with the ARC Burger franchisee. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025

He’s currently embroiled in a lawsuit against former business associate Armen Boladian and his assorted music companies to regain ownership of his music and copyrights. —Gary Graff, Billboard, 17 Dec. 2025

Even before the vacancies, the commission was embroiled in controversy. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 16 Dec. 2025

At the time of her disappearance, Jennifer was embroiled in a bitter divorce from her husband of 15 years Fotis Dulos. —Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 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