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.
Getty Images Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has spent much of his political career under investigation, embroiled in scandal or at war with his own party. — Andrew Balaban, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The razor-thin margin, with both candidates sitting at 38% of the vote, comes as Martinez, the incumbent, has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute with the county’s district attorney and faces multiple ethics complaints. — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 Instead, the business and its owners became embroiled in controversy over animal deaths. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 But the warrant indicates Gupta was, at the time, embroiled in a divorce dispute with her ex-husband. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 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 10 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

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Nglish: Translation of embroil for Spanish Speakers

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