imbroglio
Americannoun
plural
imbroglios-
a misunderstanding, disagreement, etc., of a complicated or bitter nature, as between persons or nations.
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an intricate and perplexing state of affairs; a complicated or difficult situation.
-
a confused heap.
noun
-
a confused or perplexing political or interpersonal situation
-
obsolete a confused heap; jumble
Etymology
Origin of imbroglio
1740–50; < Italian, derivative of imbrogliare to embroil
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Warner Bros.’ imbroglio has helped knock its forward price-to-earnings ratio from a high of more than 47 last summer to around 27 today.
From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026
The imbroglio comes as Kushner’s financial dealmaking has picked up, while he has simultaneously re-entered public life.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025
The agency could use the resulting internet imbroglio to educate people about the best practices for off-road vehicles on public lands.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2023
Sarcasm aside, it’s kind of incredible that “The Bachelor” franchise is being yanked back into this same doghouse for another mild imbroglio, this time courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.
From Salon • Dec. 2, 2023
Just to get away from it all—the World Championship imbroglio and the constant stalking of him by reporters and photographers—Bobby took a two-month cruise by himself around the world.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
