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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But attributing everything to the turnovers overlooks the fact that Michigan has thrown for fewer than 150 yards in back-to-back games against two of the worst teams in the Big Ten.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
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The book is a product of an era when attributing credit to servants of any kind would not have been expected, but times have changed.—
Adrian Miller,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As this brief survey suggests, the patriots’ success in drawing foreign partners into the war was essential to achieving American independence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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Having led a multimillion-dollar organization and mentored thousands of women nationwide, Martine now specializes in guiding high-achieving women to stop over-functioning, reclaim their energy, and lead with clarity and confidence.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Poor luck plagued him, but ascribing all of this outing to misfortune is misguided.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
7 Aug. 2025
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Over subsequent decades, this credo would face challenges, including from New Deal–era progressives wary of rich men ascribing to charity what was properly the realm of the state and of McCarthyite conservatives targeting philanthropic foundations as part of anticommunist fearmongering.—
Mark Malloch-Brown,
Foreign Affairs,
15 Jan. 2024
Verb
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The title-winning standard has been lower in recent years; City won it with 86, 93, 89 and 91 points between 2020-21 and 2023-24 and Liverpool with 84 points last season, but some of those totals give a false impression.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
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Get tech-smarter on your schedule Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.—
The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The building, which is working toward attaining LEED Gold certification, has been in the works for more than two decades.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
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His priorities are retaining local business, attaining affordable housing, and sustainable economic environmental development to make Shawnee a welcoming community.—
PJ Green
October 20,
Kansas City Star,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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With the brothers being seven years apart in age, James got his start as an actor first, gaining recognition with his breakthrough role in the TV series Freaks and Geeks from 1999 to 2000, and then for playing Harry Osborn in the Spider-Man trilogy, starring Tobey Maguire.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Nov. 2025
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Duke looked unstoppable in gaining 199 yards in the first quarter to lead 21-7.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Similar bills were proposed in Britain in recent years but failed to pass; a new version is now making its way through parliament.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
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Flooding the valley with noise and velocity, making an impressive mess – smash-up of trees, shrubbery, and unballasted creatures.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chalking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalking%20up. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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