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.
Paul and Matthews were also embroiled in a nasty social media feud that was sparked amid the controversy. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 Cooper has been embroiled in a public feud with Alix Earle, an influencer and podcaster once distributed by Unwell, who is also a UTA client. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 The governor was embroiled in a scandal in 2023 involving the Sinaloa cartel, in which his name was published in a letter written by a then-Sinaloa cartel capo whom leaders of a rival faction of the cartel had kidnapped. — CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 In July, Kushner and Thrive were embroiled in a controversial deal to buy a stake in the FIFA World Cup at a $20 billion valuation—only for the project to collapse within three days. — Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 23 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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