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
Ferguson chalks up the brand’s success not just to the dependable menu, but to how staff interacts with patrons.
—
Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2025
Rosenthal, who met Nettleton through his various nonprofit endeavors, chalked up the La Jolla connections to proximity to and love for the ocean.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, Syed’s conviction was not dismissed, but his release was chalked up to time served.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025
Zamani staunchly denies that claim and on Monday chalked up the deal falling apart to shareholder concerns.
—Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2025
Rosenthal, who met Nettleton through his various nonprofit endeavors, chalked up the La Jolla connections to proximity to and love for the ocean.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, Syed’s conviction was not dismissed, but his release was chalked up to time served.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025
Zamani staunchly denies that claim and on Monday chalked up the deal falling apart to shareholder concerns.
—Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalk up
Verb
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An art review on Friday about two Lu Yang exhibits in New York attributed an erroneous distinction to Lu Yang’s current exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
15 Oct. 2025
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The increase in revenue was attributed to a 3% improvement in productivity.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This configuration allows the containerized launcher to work with the ship’s existing sensors, achieving full engagement capability without requiring new hardware.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
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The last one – the last out of a game, say, or the last victory in a playoff series – is considered the hardest one to achieve, if old adages and the like are to be believed.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Johnson reached a similar conclusion with respect to Gaines’ attempt to ascribe state action to the NCAA.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
26 Sep. 2025
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Boelter’s motivation remains unclear, but investigators found a one-and-a-half-page letter, described as rambling and difficult to read, that was ascribed to him.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Missouri could have won its 16th straight at home Saturday but lost to the Crimson Tide.—
Jim Keyser,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Oct. 2025
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Pittsburg State has won five straight and stands 5-1, 4-1 in the MIAA.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Never booked or sent off, physically imposing yet beautifully balanced, Charles attained legend status in Turin — Il Gigante Buono.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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Switzerland was the only country where attaining a better quality of life was a bigger draw (57%) than accessing investment opportunities (49%) or expanding a business (48%).—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Whether the move is about Netflix’s push into ads, gaining a better foothold locally or retaining subscribers — or all three — is yet to be discovered.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
12 Oct. 2025
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Manning was sacked just once and the line paved the way for Quintrevion Wisner to gain 93 yards in the final three quarters after the running back netted just 1 in the first period.—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Multiple board members cited the ability to make the time commitment and experience in K-12 education as desirable characteristics.—
Edward McKinnon,
Arkansas Online,
16 Oct. 2025
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Farke has a decision to make at Turf Moor on Saturday.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chalk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalk%20up. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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