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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Bolyak attributes the rise in cheerleading's popularity to Ukrainians seeking emotional respite from wartime stress and terror.—
Joanna Kakissis,
NPR,
27 Feb. 2026
-
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
-
Players can multiply non-jackpot wins up to 10 times when the jackpot is $150 million or less.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Schnabel’s cinematic canon includes Basquiat, Before Night Falls, and 4x Oscar nominated The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, which earned the filmmaker a Best Director Oscar nom, and Best Director wins at the Cannes Film Festival, Golden Globes and Césars.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
This breakup analysis ascribes no value to the companies being under the same corporate parent.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Hamilton achieves an airy mode of self-astonishment that by degrees turns completely chilling.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Reiter achieves this impressive combination by building its mini-bus-like body from carbon fiber, delivering an empty vehicle cabin with high torsional rigidity, a very low weight and a roof capacity up to 1,100 lb (500 kg).—
C.C. Weiss
March 05,
New Atlas,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
And the subject of an investigation gains the power to control the flow of information.—
Vaughn Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Orlando is 8-3 this season when Bane scores at least 30 points.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
Attorneys for Meta say the company discloses risks and makes efforts to weed out harmful content and experiences -- acknowledging that some bad material still gets through its safety net.—
MORGAN LEE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Finally, after all of those effects, the light makes it to the Local Group, the Milky Way, and all the way to us in the Solar System.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalks up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalks%20up. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
