embroil

1 of 2

verb

em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce embroil (audio)
embroiled; embroiling; embroils
Synonyms of embroilnext

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 How to pronounce embroil (audio)
noun

embroilment

2 of 2

noun

em·​broil·​ment -ȯi(ə)lmənt How to pronounce embroilment (audio)
plural -s
1
: the act of embroiling or state of being embroiled
often : uproar, commotion, quarrel
an embroilment that led to a crowded police court the next morning
2
: entanglement, perplexity, involvement
trying to avoid embroilment in continental quarrels

Synonyms of embroil

Relevance

Verb

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Examples of embroil in a Sentence

Verb 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
But many voters turned their backs on the party when Lula and other leaders became embroiled in corruption scandals in the 2010s. — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026 Later in the day, Obama is headed to Detroit to campaign with Democrat Senate nominee Abdul el Sayed, who is embroiled in a tight campaign against GOP candidate Mike Rogers. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026 Alvarado has held senior roles in multiple Betancourt businesses, including as chief financial officer of an energy firm that became embroiled in scandals a decade ago. — Cate Brown, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 Nikon also runs the annual Small World in Motion video competition, which was embroiled in controversy this year. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embroil

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French embrouiller, from Middle French, from en- + brouiller to jumble, from Old French brooilier, from Vulgar Latin *brodiculare — more at broil

Noun

French embrouillement, from embrouiller + -ment

First Known Use

Verb

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embroil was in 1603

Rhymes for embroil

See All Rhymes for embroil

Browse Nearby Words

embroidery hoop
embroil
embroiler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embroil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embroil. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

embroil

verb
em·​broil im-ˈbrȯi(ə)l How to pronounce embroil (audio)
1
: to throw into disorder or confusion
2
: to involve in conflict or difficulties
embroiled in a lawsuit
embroilment
-mənt How to pronounce embroil (audio)
noun
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