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

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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
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

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 20 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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