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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The vessel had previously sailed from Venezuela and returned to the region, Reuters reported, attributing the statement to an industry source with direct knowledge of the matter.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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CloudFlare, an internet firm, and the advocacy group NetBlocks reported the internet outage, both attributing it to Iranian government interference.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Put a Monogram on It The key to achieving a personalized home lies in those little details.—
Tessa Cooper,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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Fixating on the outcome and then having trouble achieving that goal can be discouraging.—
Gillian Mohney,
Verywell Health,
9 Jan. 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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Cox missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer and Xavier Booker grabbed the defensive rebound as time expired.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
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Mayfield went 11-5 that year, earning a playoff berth and winning in the wild-card round to secure his first career playoff win.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dual citizenship Henley & Partners is one of a number of companies that assists high-net-worth individuals in attaining dual citizenship around the globe.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
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The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha himself as core for attaining enlightenment.—
Deepa Bharath,
Fortune,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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McCaffrey, despite gaining just 48 yards on 13 carries, came through with six catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
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In a TikTok video that’s quickly gaining attention, Novo — a tuxedo cat who’s a mix of ragdoll and Siberian — is seen aggressively clawing at his owner’s whiteboard, which neatly lists her goals for 2026.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Justin Mesael Novoa, 21, was charged with making threatening interstate communications, including threats to assault or murder a federal law enforcement officer, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Minnesota goaltender Luca Di Pasquo was valiant on enemy ice, making 40 saves to keep the hosts from turning the game into a blowout.—
Tom Carothers,
Twin Cities,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalking%20up. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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