1
as in to attribute
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
let's chalk up her weird behavior to simple nervousness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to achieve
to obtain (as a goal) through effort
chalked up a record in singles tennis that is likely to stand for a long time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chalk up
Some difficult feelings that people often chalk up to normal midlife struggles — loss of confidence, trouble concentrating — may in fact be signs of depression.
—
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Dec. 2025
The director, 48, took the stand in his own defense on Tuesday, chalking up the dispute to a misunderstanding.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025
The Organization of American States has so far not documented any manipulation and other experts chalked up the vote count delays to incompetence rather than fraud.
—Reuters 7 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
Coach Tyronn Lue chalked up their second-half letdowns to fatigue and sloppy play; the Clippers are averaging seven turnovers in the third quarters.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 29 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Dec. 2025
The director, 48, took the stand in his own defense on Tuesday, chalking up the dispute to a misunderstanding.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025
The Organization of American States has so far not documented any manipulation and other experts chalked up the vote count delays to incompetence rather than fraud.
—Reuters 7 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
Coach Tyronn Lue chalked up their second-half letdowns to fatigue and sloppy play; the Clippers are averaging seven turnovers in the third quarters.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 29 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalk up
Verb
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State officials attributed the smaller shortfall to an additional $42 billion in revenue expected for the current and next budget years, compared to projections made in 2025.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
15 Jan. 2026
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Two veteran homicide detectives who once served at the LAPD, including the former detective who oversaw Short's investigation, say that several clues point to Margolis, who died in 1993, being responsible for Short's death and the five murders attributed to the Zodiac Killer.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Though designers will still prioritize efficiency, the triangle might not always be the default layout to achieve what a homeowner wants.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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In theory, this engine could achieve escape velocity from the Solar System, but would also produce considerable heat and radiation that would need to be safely contained.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Some advisors ascribe to a 10% rule of thumb — meaning no one stock or asset should make up more than 10% of a portfolio.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
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Most accounts ascribe these episodes of central bank cooperation to geopolitical and national self-interest, but Sahasrabuddhe emphasizes the social relations of central bankers themselves.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The Bruins won for the fifth time in six games despite going 0 for 6 on the power play a day after beating the Rangers 10-2.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
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Though the Heat is returning home for three games, Miami won’t be heavily favored to win any of them.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Few people would consider a career as a regional, impersonator-style vocalist to be worthwhile; even fewer would, having attained such a career, try to make themselves into something more than a novelty act.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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That figure marks a significant drop from a recent peak attained in 2023, but borrowing costs remain well above a 0% rate established at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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These special moments have helped the monks’ walk gain traction on social media, where their Facebook following recently surpassed 1 million followers.—
Christina Shaw,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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As the protests gained momentum, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, began posting messages calling for a general uprising.—
Karl Vick,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The president said Thursday that the two mortgage giants under government conservatorship, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have $200 billion in cash that will be used to make the mortgage bond purchases.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Ball certainly didn’t have any issue getting into the action, posting a team-best 11 first-quarter points on the strength of making his first three attempts and banking in a running 3-pointer off the glass at the buzzer, signaling the conclusion of the game’s initial 12 minutes.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalk%20up. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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