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
Google became embroiled in a prior controversy in February 2024 after its Gemini text-to-image tool produced portrayals of racially diverse German WW2 soldiers. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026 Set in the aftermath of an unidentified conflict, the film follows Nina as she’s embroiled in a yearslong plot of subtle retaliation for her family’s horrific murder. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026 Despite a new sense of optimism, the United States was embroiled in conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. — David Harris, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, the trustees of Notre Dame College of Ohio are embroiled in a lawsuit, and a federal judge has appointed a receiver to liquidate remaining assets. — Laura MacDonald, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on embroil

Nglish: Translation of embroil for Spanish Speakers

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