embroil

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

Synonyms of embroil

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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
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.
Another beauty founder has been embroiled in the aftermath of Jeffrey Epstein’s decades-long abuses. — James Manso, Allure, 3 Sep. 2026 Muslims are embroiled in yet another war, but this one isn’t in the Middle East, Southeast Asia or another predominantly Islamic region. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Loughlin’s return to the platform comes seven years after she and her estranged husband, Mossimo Giannulli, were embroiled in a high-profile college admissions scandal in March 2019 involving their daughters Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose Giannulli. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Flock Safety, which makes license-plate readers, has been embroiled in a firestorm after revelations that police officers abused their access to the surveillance tech. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embroil

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embroil was in 1603

Rhymes for embroil

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Browse Nearby Words

embroidery hoop
embroil
embroiler
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Cite this Entry

“Embroil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embroil. Accessed 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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