Quick answer
Broil means to cook by direct heat; also, a noisy quarrel or confused disturbance. It is usually pronounced BROIL, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Broil
To broil means to cook by direct heat; also, a noisy quarrel or confused disturbance. It belongs to words for chaos and confusion and works best in minor disasters, crowd scenes, and messy situations that deserve a more memorable label. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
chaosconfusioncommotion
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you broil, you to cook by direct heat; also, a noisy quarrel or confused disturbance. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
Broil feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Broil is generally traced to from Old French roots relating to heat and disorder. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Broil is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The interns began to broil at once when the projector failed again.
- He broiled through the explanation so fast that nobody trusted the final answer.
- In the play, nervous witnesses broil whenever the magistrate clears his throat.
- She refused to broil about the crisis and gave the room a usable plan instead.
- The children broiled excitedly after finding the attic full of costumes.
When should you use this word?
Use broil when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in minor disasters, crowd scenes, and messy situations that deserve a more memorable label.
Similar words
grill, sear, quarrel, uproar
Opposite or contrasting words
simmer gently, calm discussion
Common questions
- What does broil mean? to cook by direct heat; also, a noisy quarrel or confused disturbance.
- How do you pronounce broil? It is commonly pronounced BROIL.
- Is broil still used today? Broil is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use broil? Use broil when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in minor disasters, crowd scenes, and messy situations that deserve a more memorable label.
- What words are similar to broil? Similar words include grill, sear, quarrel, and uproar.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.