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.

While the surge in prices is happening around the world, gas costs more in California than almost anywhere else because of higher taxes, fees and cleaner-fuel requirements.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

This campus will draw 1.4 gigawatts of energy, or enough to power the entire city of San Diego, California.

From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026

Britain had only just abandoned rationing; in California, swimming pools weren't luxuries - just a way of life.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

“When you dream of this as a kid,” said midfielder Cristian Roldan, who grew up nearby in California, “you dream of moments like this.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

It is too late for an autopsy, and California is too far for a research visit.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman