imbroglio

noun

im-ˈbrōl-(ˌ)yō How to pronounce imbroglio (audio)
Definition of imbroglionext
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions a celebrated imbroglio involving some big names in the New York literary scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of imbroglio Wong’s departure adds to the headache Levine Cava is facing from the fuel yard imbroglio, which also led her to force out her longest-serving deputy, Jimmy Morales, who oversaw the port. — Douglas Hanks june 9, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026 Diplomacy is the only way out of this imbroglio. — Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 1 June 2026 The imbroglio marks yet another controversy in the early tenure of Weiss, who was installed as CBS News’ editorial leader last year, and has demonstrated a noticeable lack of knowledge about how to maintain TV programming. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 May 2026 Political observers say the person who may be most affected by the imbroglio is JD Vance, who has made faith part of his political persona. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imbroglio
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imbroglio
  1. dispute
  2. controversy
  3. altercation
  4. quarrel
  5. disagreement
  6. argument
  7. fight
Noun
  • The planned center for arbitrating investment and commercial disputes, for example, will sit within the Syrian Investment Authority, which is itself attached to the presidency.
    — Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Adair died in jail following a dispute with deputies, including Fatherley, who knelt on his back.
    — Sofi Zeman August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • After many decades of organizing, speaking, writing, agitating — and weathering the constant controversy that courted — Steinem kept going.
    — Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • George Lucas, for his part, has suggested that bringing the Lucas Museum to fruition—a project beset by delays and controversy that has taken nearly a decade to realize—was a herculean effort.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of controversy
Noun
  • The Honda continues down the street and crashes into a parked car, as Good’s wife, Becca Good, who was recording the altercation, runs after it.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Detectives found that Spencer was involved in an altercation with a man inside the library before the stabbing.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of altercation
Noun
  • Look, says everyone, at the movement of the heavens, look at the public, look at that man’s quarrel, at this man’s pulse, at another man’s will; in short, always look high or low, or to one side, or in front, or behind you.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Department of Defense’s quarrel with Anthropic began earlier this year after the company refused to remove internal safety guardrails that would prevent the military from using its Claude AI model in autonomous weapons and mass surveillance.
    — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of quarrel
Noun
  • Big picture The league and the union are meeting regularly on various topics, but their disagreement on core economics — whether to move to a cap system — leaves little room for progress on the major issues.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • What the disagreement was about Auditors for the city of Atlanta said the transit agency overcharged for enhanced bus service and owed the city $70 million from a fund to pay for new MARTA projects.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of disagreement
Noun
  • This turns into a big argument about Issa being a weird little guy, and suddenly there are multiple potential roommate schisms in the house.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Computer science emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the following decades, when the research traditions of math and engineering came together, and arguments about the nature of the new field soon followed.
    — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Mayer had some early success with her jab, but Cameron increasingly took control as the fight progressed and landed the cleaner punches before hurting Mayer with a right hand in the eighth round.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Metchie was very much on the bubble of the 53-man roster, and he was outperformed by his peers, even if not by much in this rock-fight of a contest.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

imbrication
imbroglio
imbroglios
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Cite this Entry

“Imbroglio.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imbroglio. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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