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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What's really behind the baby bust The reasons Americans choose not to have children are hotly debated in academic circles, with many attributing America’s baby bust to shifting priorities and societal norms.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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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
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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A week after a 27-10 road win at Syracuse, North Carolina turned in a dreadful first half against Stanford (3-7, 2-5 ACC), gaining only 47 total yards on its way to a 3-3 halftime tie.—
Justin Williams,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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The allegations contained in the recent NBA gambling indictment check the box of gaining widespread attention and headlines.—
Samidh Guha,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The prosecutor’s spokesperson said Yeo was making excuses that did not make sense about the notes discovered on his mobile phone.—
Reuters 2 hr ago,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
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The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chalking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalking%20up. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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