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
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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
Per Nielsen, last weekend’s NFL deliveries were up 13% versus the 2025 numbers, and while some of that improvement may be chalked up to the recent upgrade in its ratings-gathering methodology, there’s no reason to believe the magic will suddenly wear off during the divisional round.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Reggie Stevens scored 15 points, while Noah Corro chalked up seven points and seven rebounds.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
As a result, the stock’s drop can be chalked up to the broader market’s down session on Wednesday.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
At the end of the day, much of Williams’ fate on the show has been chalked up to a misunderstanding by fellow contestants, but the reality star pushes back against that narrative.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Reggie Stevens scored 15 points, while Noah Corro chalked up seven points and seven rebounds.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
As a result, the stock’s drop can be chalked up to the broader market’s down session on Wednesday.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
At the end of the day, much of Williams’ fate on the show has been chalked up to a misunderstanding by fellow contestants, but the reality star pushes back against that narrative.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalk up
Verb
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At the time, analysts had attributed Baumgertner's arrest to retaliation for Uralkali's decision to pull out of a joint venture.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
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In a separate notice, school officials attributed the lockdown to Cincinnati police officers working at an active crime scene.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Judd plays Caden’s mother Mari in the pic, which centers on the unwavering determination of his parents to help their son, against all odds, achieve his dream.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2026
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My neighbor friends, Scott and Dwayne, contribute regularly to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization, working to achieve LGBTQ equality and influencing legislation on the federal, state and local level.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This can be ascribed to a revenue decrease in Q3 2025 tied to accounting modifications and a significant uptick in professional liability reserves.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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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
Verb
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Given that Trump won North Carolina, the endorsement instantly made Whatley the front-runner for the GOP nomination.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Feb. 2026
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Emerging from the Working group, Penny beat out 2,499 other canines spread across seven different groups containing 204 total breeds to win the coveted prize.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That Ahn centers characters in their 30s, who’ve attained a certain level of maturity but still feel adrift, makes for an inherently more interesting premise.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
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So many chances to attain most people’s dreams of happiness, love, abundance, new ideas and popularity.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In recent years the genre has gained huge global fandom as more groups – like Blackpink and Twice – broke into the US charts, went on world tours, and collaborated with big American artists.—
Gawon Bae,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
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Then, later, more than 1,000 fans descended on Old Trafford itself, with hundreds gaining access to the stadium and getting onto the pitch, eventually causing the match, which was due to be aired live on Sky Sports, to be postponed.—
Chris McKenna,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The evening brought together chefs, civic leaders, business innovators, artists and community advocates to honor renewal, rebuild momentum and remind Angelenos what makes the city extraordinary.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Tyler Huntley made it as an alternate three years ago after throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions in four starts with the Baltimore Ravens.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalk%20up. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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