floodgate
noun
flood·gate
ˈfləd-ˌgāt 
1
: a gate for shutting out, admitting, or releasing a body of water : sluice
2
: something serving to restrain an outburst
opened the floodgates of criticism
Examples of floodgate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Democratic campaigns fumed Tuesday at the Supreme Court for striking down limits on coordinated spending between political parties and candidates, a conservative 6-3 majority ruling that is set to open the donor floodgates for the midterm elections.
—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
30 June 2026
When New England became a stop on major international trade routes, the multicultural floodgates opened and Puritan objections to things like fashion, elaborate design, lavish displays of wealth and other things deemed excessive were being continually, casually challenged.
—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
Maybe that score will open the floodgates.
—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
In his car, Lestat is no longer able to repress his memories after having opened the floodgates.
—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for floodgate
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Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
30 June 2026
When New England became a stop on major international trade routes, the multicultural floodgates opened and Puritan objections to things like fashion, elaborate design, lavish displays of wealth and other things deemed excessive were being continually, casually challenged.
—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
Maybe that score will open the floodgates.
—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
In his car, Lestat is no longer able to repress his memories after having opened the floodgates.
—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for floodgate
Cite this Entry
“Floodgate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floodgate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
floodgate
noun
flood·gate
ˈfləd-ˌgāt
: a gate (as in a canal) for controlling a body of water : sluice
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