1
as in attributes
to explain (something) as being the result of something else
let's chalk up her weird behavior to simple nervousness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in wins
to obtain (as a goal) through effort
chalked up a record in singles tennis that is likely to stand for a long time
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of chalks up
With a wry chuckle, McCartney chalks up these cornball elements of his TV specials and other outings to the perils of being surrounded by yes people.
—
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026
The properties are arranged by their defining natural element (Aspen, Pine, Oak, Ryegrass)—a decision Kayne chalks up to her Virgo tendencies.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
The explanation for the recent surge in beef prices is complex, but essentially chalks up to an issue of supply and demand.
—Emma Wozniak, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Ferguson chalks up the brand’s success not just to the dependable menu, but to how staff interacts with patrons.
—Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2025
That feeling was one EYB chalks up to Panhandle House and the return home to Denton.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2025
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026
The properties are arranged by their defining natural element (Aspen, Pine, Oak, Ryegrass)—a decision Kayne chalks up to her Virgo tendencies.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
The explanation for the recent surge in beef prices is complex, but essentially chalks up to an issue of supply and demand.
—Emma Wozniak, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Ferguson chalks up the brand’s success not just to the dependable menu, but to how staff interacts with patrons.
—Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2025
That feeling was one EYB chalks up to Panhandle House and the return home to Denton.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalks up
Verb
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Bolyak attributes the rise in cheerleading's popularity to Ukrainians seeking emotional respite from wartime stress and terror.—
Joanna Kakissis,
NPR,
27 Feb. 2026
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Newport Police Department attributes the death to carbon monoxide poisoning, as the entire vehicle, including the tailpipe, was covered with snow.—
Eryn Dion,
The Providence Journal,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Dominican Republic moves on, now two wins away from a championship.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
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The 49ers got to the quarters — three wins away from a first NCAA Tournament bid in 21 years — by going on an 18-0 run in the second half to take a 39-27 lead and take control of the game.—
Langston Wertz Jr,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Brewer ascribes Starbucks’ success in Italy, where even the average person is a coffee connoisseur, to offering people, especially young people, a place to relax and enjoy a coffee.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
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This breakup analysis ascribes no value to the companies being under the same corporate parent.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Compact high-power scaling The new optical device also achieves remarkable size reduction.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
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That leaves three months to iron out specifics, ease any concerns and come together with a product that actually achieves Rolapp’s goals.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But if a person seeking status is already wealthy or attains corporate sponsorship, for instance, a viable pathway to citizenship opens up, even if only slightly.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Gemini attains a very favorable position almost directly overhead.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
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When within one second of a rival at a detection point, a driver gains access to additional electrical deployment—up to 350 kW—giving them a temporary performance advantage.—
Brad Spurgeon,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
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And the subject of an investigation gains the power to control the flow of information.—
Vaughn Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Orlando is 8-3 this season when Bane scores at least 30 points.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Luka Doncic finishes with 35 points and Austin Reaves scores 25 points as the Lakers overcome LeBron James’ absence in a 110-97 win over the New York Knicks.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But the very fantasy that makes the book extraordinary may also be why it’s overlooked by the mainstream.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Mar. 2026
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State efforts to restrict federal enforcement at polls face potential legal challenges due to the supremacy clause, which makes federal law paramount.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalks up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalks%20up. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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