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

Soon after, classics became increasingly embroiled in America’s culture wars. —Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026

The program’s fate has since remained embroiled in litigation. —Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Iranian state media later confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attack, escalating turmoil in a region already embroiled in regional conflict. —Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026

The Singhs, who both hail from Nassau County, have been embroiled in a legal battle with the owner of the 101st Ave. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 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