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
Mamdani chalks up the friendly encounters to these New York ties.
—
Sophia Vento, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2026
Player of the Week Junior outside hitter Briggs Corona chalks up 38 kills, 35 digs, eight aces and six blocks in five matches for the host RedHawks and was named all-tournament at the Marist Invitational.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
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
Sophia Vento, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2026
Player of the Week Junior outside hitter Briggs Corona chalks up 38 kills, 35 digs, eight aces and six blocks in five matches for the host RedHawks and was named all-tournament at the Marist Invitational.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalks up
Verb
-
Hotez attributes this to humans increasingly interacting with wildlife and their habitats, including through urbanization and deforestation.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
-
The staff attributes the sharp jump largely to riders, or costs added to bills after the general rate is authorized.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Two officials stood above the players, with one signaling touchdown (meaning Tate caught the ball, Seattle wins) and the other signaling touchback (meaning Jennings caught the ball, Green Bay wins).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
Because that means Wyoming wins and Texas wins.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
8 May 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
-
This breakup analysis ascribes no value to the companies being under the same corporate parent.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The telling is harrowing, but also humorous at times, and achieves an emotional register that had me, essentially, transfixed.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Here, the Sport+ drive mode does a commendable job of keeping the transmission in the meaty parts of the powerband, while dialing the dampers back to Sport achieves the right balance of body control and compliance on these less-than-perfect road surfaces.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
8 May 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
-
By tracking the population, the conservancy builds a database of valuable insights into raptors and, in turn, gains a better understanding of the overall ecosystem.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
-
Blum noted that several billionaires have made high-profile departures from California as a state billionaire tax proposal gains steam.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Felix Schutz scores the winning goal 21 seconds into overtime at Veltins Arena, ordinarily the home of the Schalke soccer team.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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While some of the new businesses in North Chicago are considered small businesses like Mia’s and Drive Performance, Considine said each time a startup medical company begins operating in the Helix 51 incubator at Rosalind Franklin, the city scores another new concern.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
Verb
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And what makes this all worse is that Fauci made these comments this week.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
Mass raids in neighborhoods, workplaces and near schools create fear that makes communities less safe, not more.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalks up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalks%20up. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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