1
as in attributing
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 achieving
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 chalking up
His first taste of international cricket was a chastening experience, chalking up the worst bowling figures for an England ODI debutant with 0-76 off seven overs against South Africa at Headingley.
—
James Wallace, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
James Wallace, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalking up
Verb
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Still, the predatory hawks that used to feed on those birds haven’t returned this year, Moore said, attributing their absence to avian flu.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Jan. 2026
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Lord of the Rings franchise director Peter Jackson joined the billionaires club in November 2021, with Forbes attributing his financial status to selling a stake in his company, Weta Digital, for $975 million.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tangible goals include achieving zero plastic use in all guest rooms and implementing innovative systems like ice storage for energy efficiency and grey water water reuse for conservation.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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Their expertise and pure joy for all the young talents growing and achieving through their guidance and support uplifts the enthusiastic energy of the teammates, their families and the entire ranch, according to the news release.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The actress is cautious in ascribing too much power to her position.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
15 Dec. 2025
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Describing African resistance to slavery as a form of fugitive politics enables us, moreover, to confront accounts that, while acknowledging the reality of the resistance of the enslaved, end up depoliticizing it by ascribing it primarily to private emotions such as fear.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Belichick also was one of the game's top defensive assistants before taking over in New England, winning two earlier Super Bowls as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
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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Dual citizenship Henley & Partners is one of a number of companies that assists high-net-worth individuals in attaining dual citizenship around the globe.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
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The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha himself as core for attaining enlightenment.—
Deepa Bharath,
Fortune,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There are also a number of fascinating candidates who might need a couple of tries, along with returning fixtures who have been gaining momentum and could at some point hit the 75% threshold needed for election.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
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Since then, more pandas have arrived or were born locally, gaining a huge following.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Justin Mesael Novoa, 21, was charged with making threatening interstate communications, including threats to assault or murder a federal law enforcement officer, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Minnesota goaltender Luca Di Pasquo was valiant on enemy ice, making 40 saves to keep the hosts from turning the game into a blowout.—
Tom Carothers,
Twin Cities,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalking%20up. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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