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 disposition will determine your tax burden and that of your heirs, especially in a high-tax state like California.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

At the University of California, hundreds of professors wrote a letter last week urging the UC regents to reinstate entrance-exam requirements.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

The survey methodology comes from professionals at the University of Southern California, a private institution, and the count requires approval from the U.S.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

The election was one of many primaries across California, Iowa, New Jersey and New Mexico on Tuesday that will shape the midterm elections that will happen across the country in November.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Sometimes on the weekends there would be what might be called excessive traffic, but I confined my driving to the weekdays and it did not get thick until I was close to Southern California.

From This Side of Wild by Gary Paulsen