California

[kal-uh-fawrn-yuh, -fawr-nee-uh] / ˌkæl əˈfɔrn yə, -ˈfɔr ni ə /

NOUN

u.s. state

Synonyms

WEAK

Bear Flag State Cal El Dorado Gold Coast Gold Rush State Golden Bear State Golden Poppy State Golden State La La Land Sunkist State

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 candidates must also have raised, contributed or lent to their campaigns at least $1 million, based on publicly available data from the California secretary of state.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

“With no expense spared, this property boasts luxury quality construction, with grand scale and volume throughout, flooded with fresh air and brilliant Southern California sunlight,” the description stated.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

CNN typically does not carry debates involving candidates in statewide races, but the network believes that the California contest is significant enough for a national platform.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

State bar authorities in New York, California and elsewhere have reached the same conclusion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“We were a little worried to move to California, what with all the wildfires you’ve been having,” Akira heard Sue’s dad say, and alarm bells went off in her head.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz