embroil

verb

em·broil im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l

embroiled; embroiling; embroils

Synonyms of embroil

transitive verb

: to throw into disorder or confusion

: to involve in conflict or difficulties

embroiled in controversy

embroilment

im-ˈbrȯi(-ə)l-mənt

noun

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.

Greece and Turkey, both NATO members, have been embroiled for decades in disputes over maritime boundaries in the Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean, as well as the divided island of Cyprus. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 The five seats up for grabs on the Fulton Commission include the northern District 1 spot, where incumbent Republican Bridget Thorne is embroiled in a rematch with Democrat Maggie Goldman. — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Summer Walker, long unhappy with her record deal, has become embroiled in a series of legal disputes with her labels, LVRN and Interscope. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026 Typically, when embroiled in these sorts of escalating back-and-forths, Larry’s go-to move was the quit-and-storm-off. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Embroil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embroil. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

embroil

verb

em·broil im-ˈbrȯi(ə)l

: to throw into disorder or confusion

: to involve in conflict or difficulties

embroiled in a lawsuit

embroilment

-mənt

noun

embroil

verb

Synonyms of embroil

Examples of embroil in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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embroil

verb

Synonyms of embroil

Examples of embroil in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for embroil

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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