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
Management chalking up the early exit to fatigue from two deep runs and injuries to McDavid, Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Jason Dickinson, and Adam Henrique, among others.
—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
The days of the secluded mathematician chalking up a blackboard have largely given way to a collaborative spirit as math has become increasingly technical.
—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
The days of the secluded mathematician chalking up a blackboard have largely given way to a collaborative spirit as math has become increasingly technical.
—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalking up
Verb
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Ye has previously faced backlash for controversial statements and actions, later attributing them to mental health issues.
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In January, West issued a public apology for his antisemitic comments in a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, attributing his behavior to struggles with bipolar disorder.
Verb
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Brilliant innovators and visionaries like Musk, an immigrant himself, who take on extreme financial and personal risk in the hopes of achieving massive success should be celebrated, not demonized.
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Sleeping with quilts is one of the best hacks for achieving cool, comfortable sleep year-round, but quilts are especially handy in the summer months.
Verb
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The group immediate drew praise on social media for not ascribing the cancellation to anything beyond the most obvious factors.
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Wednesday’s verdict in Los Angeles on the ninth day of jury deliberations shows the difficulty of ascribing how much social media is to blame for youths suffering varying degrees of distress.
Verb
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The New York Knicks winning the NBA Finals was a tremendous accomplishment for the organization and its players, while also bringing a joyous end to the team's long championship drought for fans.
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Lendeborg, 23, was the Big Ten player of the year and leader of Michigan’s national championship-winning team.
Verb
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In turn, many participants—after getting a taste of our approach—come back to us for more support in hopes of attaining What Works Cities Certification.
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These results indicate that after attaining a maximum value about 2 billion years ago, dark energy may have begun to weaken.
Verb
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To remain tuition-free, Miss Major Middle is launching as a microschool, a nontraditional educational model gaining traction nationwide.
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Living with less and gaining more Life here isn’t perfect.
Verb
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The Cubs will try to rebound Saturday with left-hander David Peterson, acquired this week in a trade with the Mets, making his first start with his new team.
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If a demanding day drains you, take a short break before making a purchase.
Cite this Entry
“Chalking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalking%20up. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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