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 British artist, who died Thursday, captured California cool like no other while remaining creatively adventurous throughout his life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

“As part of California car culture, enthusiasts who take vehicles to the track and enjoy a variety of higher-grip, lower-treadwear options would be disproportionately impacted,” wrote commenter Tommy Wong.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026

Because of the reporter shortage, about 72% of these cases between April 2023 and June 2025 had no verbatim record, according to the Judicial Branch of California.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

At a press conference afterward, officials stressed that even though coastal Southern California is not expected to have an exceptionally dangerous fire season, they are doing everything they can to protect Californians.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026

Fischer began receiving thousands of letters and cables urging him to continue the match, and Henry Kissinger called him once again, this time from California, to appeal to his patriotism.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady