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
Studio executives and theater operators chalk up the improved prospects in part to a better and more plentiful crop of bankable movies that are bringing people back to the multiplex.
—
Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Sophomore right fielder Rebecca Coffey, who will likely split starting pitching duties this season with Akins, chalked up a two-run single in the bottom of the sixth as the difference-maker for Hampshire.
—Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Washington said Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire, and US Vice President JD Vance chalked up the hostilities to a misunderstanding.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Anthony, who went 2 for 5 with two runs scored in the loss, said there isn’t an injury impacting his throwing, and Cora and Anthony chalked up it more to a mechanical issue gripping the baseball than anything else.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Sophomore right fielder Rebecca Coffey, who will likely split starting pitching duties this season with Akins, chalked up a two-run single in the bottom of the sixth as the difference-maker for Hampshire.
—Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Washington said Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire, and US Vice President JD Vance chalked up the hostilities to a misunderstanding.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Anthony, who went 2 for 5 with two runs scored in the loss, said there isn’t an injury impacting his throwing, and Cora and Anthony chalked up it more to a mechanical issue gripping the baseball than anything else.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalk up
Verb
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The work demonstrates that mathematical ideas from classical physics can be used to describe weird and ‘spooky’ behavior that is often attributed to quantum particles.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Apr. 2026
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The first relegation with Fulham should not be attributed solely to Parker, who took over when the side was 19th with just 10 matches to play.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Leicester City achieved a similar feat 10 years ago, but that’s considered the greatest shock in modern football history.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Grandparents are not interested in performance or outcomes, but in substance — not in what a child achieves, but in who that child becomes.—
Peter Folan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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So proving this equivalence would instantly confirm much of the topological power that Bar-Natan and van der Veen ascribe to their new invariant.—
Erica Klarreich,
Quanta Magazine,
22 Apr. 2026
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Another Readymade ascribed to Rrose, Fresh Widow (1920), features a scale model of a French window with panels of black leather covering the glass.—
Howard Halle,
ARTnews.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This marks their first winning streak of at least seven games within April since 1989 (also seven).—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
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With the efficient righty throwing to a Red Sox lineup that entered the game 23rd in runs scored and 24th in wRC+, the Yankees won, 4-0.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Each rising superstar was able to attain WWE Evolve Women’s Championships during their time at the developmental promotion and have made a major impact since being called up to the NXT brand.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
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Jordan Chandler went on to attain legal emancipation from both of his parents.—
Amelia McDonell-Parry,
Rolling Stone,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Moon strengthens Jupiter’s influence, helping your ideas gain traction with the right people.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
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Both firms are keen to acquire the assets given the rarity of gaining exposure to more than 40 ports in a single deal, the people said.—
Shirley Zhao,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Where things have felt vague, clarity makes a noticeable difference.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
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States can also make an independent decision not to allow the sale of a product in their state.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalk%20up. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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