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
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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The nonpartisan office attributed that to state spending outstripping revenue.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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The bond agreement attributes that confidentiality to a Kansas state statue specifically designed for STAR bond projects involving a major professional sports franchise.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
8 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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Another label, Hui Hui, creates pendants made with horse hair, which also ascribe to the nomadic trend, has secured 80 stockists in just two years, a testament to the popularity of the style.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
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The brothers ascribe some of Barb’s staying power to Purser, who was working in a movie theater when the Duffer brothers cast her.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Cardell Williams completed 8 of 11 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns to speedster Ernest Campbell as the Hornets won for the sixth time in their last eight outings with two conference games to go.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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If negative emissions technologies can indeed attain consequential scale, should they be pressed into the service of life extension for fossil capital?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
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Even in attempting a private option, there is a permit necessary in order to fly from here that takes time to attain.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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If Enceladus doesn’t gain enough energy, its surface activity would slow down or stop, and the ocean could eventually freeze.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
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A week after a 27-10 road win at Syracuse, North Carolina turned in a dreadful first half against Stanford (3-7, 2-5 ACC), gaining only 47 total yards on its way to a 3-3 halftime tie.—
Justin Williams,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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 11 Jan. 2026.
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