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
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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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The tastemakers erroneously attributed luxury to those characteristics.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
29 Jan. 2026
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Krishnamurthy attributes the lack of new, consistently successful faces in rap partly to a lack of industry investment.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 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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Thailand’s largest construction company, which is under investigation for its role in two deadly accidents, won investor approval to restructure its outstanding bonds.—
Anuchit Nguyen,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
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Penny Weaver is an award-winning journalist who covers crime, law enforcement, court proceedings and more for the River Valley Democrat-Gazette.—
Penny Weaver,
Arkansas Online,
28 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 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 31 Jan. 2026.
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