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
Others have watched more of the club’s other junior teams, including the under-21s, chalking up first-time stadium visits at Solihull Moors, Brackley Town or Tamworth in the National League Cup.
—
Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalking up
Verb
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In 2021, San Diego prosecutors unsealed an indictment attributing an explosion of violence in Tijuana to a criminal cell known as Los Cabos, who allegedly acted as a brutal enforcement arm of the CJNG.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
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In mid-February, Publishers Weekly reported that a hundred thousand copies of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel had sold in the first two months of this year, compared with a hundred and eighty thousand total last year, attributing the increase to book clubs and influencers of all stripes embracing it.—
Radhika Jones,
New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Here are 10 steps the Cowboys can take toward achieving a perfect offseason — at least in our eyes.—
Joseph Hoyt,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Mar. 2026
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But what makes Chanel’s formula so singular in achieving the look?—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 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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The Lakers’ coach described walking in and seeing the Heat leading with three minutes left, on the verge of winning their sixth consecutive game and Adebayo on the free-throw line (naturally).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Saratoga ridden by Mark Walsh celebrates winning the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 10, 2026 in Cheltenham, England.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Oakland’s leaders envision their town attaining similar big-city status.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
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The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha as core to attaining enlightenment.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Exclusive restaurant memberships, gyms, creative spaces, social clubs and more are gaining more popularity as consumers search for ways to build community outside of their houses and offices.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2026
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The move away from cropped hems serves multiple purposes by adding length to the leg while projecting an effortless aura, which is why the style is gaining traction regardless of style.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Not making enough stops defensively to thwart the Heat while subsequently only hitting 7 of 21 attempts in the final 12 minutes doomed the Hornets.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Mar. 2026
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The Pirates were making their fourth consecutive state tournament appearance.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalking%20up. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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