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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With this route, a debt relief expert will negotiate with creditors on your behalf, often achieving comparable or even better reductions than taking the DIY approach.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
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The different procedures have their own risks and benefits, but generally speaking, people with diabetes who receive weight loss surgery lose about 20 percent of their body mass and have significant blood sugar improvements, often achieving lasting diabetes remission.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
27 Feb. 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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Some Republicans are worried about Paxton’s chances in a general election as the GOP tries to keep control of the Senate in November, and worry that money will need to be spent in Texas that could otherwise go toward winning battleground states, according to Politico.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
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In the end, Democratic voters appeared to side with Talarico’s argument that winning in Texas would require not only energizing the base but also persuading voters who have grown uncomfortable with Republican leadership.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
4 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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African Americans make up about 7% of players — still underrepresented, but gaining ground in a game that hasn't always shared the court.—
Itay Hod,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
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Pakistan and neighboring India, both nuclear armed powers, have periodically engaged in wars, clashes and skirmishes since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947.—
Munir Ahmed,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In June, his twin sons transferred to his alma mater from a Detroit prep school with hopes of making their papa proud and lifting the town’s spirit.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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But, since staying cozy is key for making it through long travel days, the Trendy Queen 2-piece Matching Lounge Set is an excellent alternative that’s more form-fitting without feeling restrictive.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalking%20up. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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