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
-
No other team has had more than five multi-goal comeback wins this season.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The Teresa jeans deliver an on-trend silhouette that’s tailored yet wide-leg, plus a subtle—but appreciated—lifting and smoothing effect that wins shoppers over again and again.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 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
-
When exposed to sunlight, the system achieves 80% charging efficiency.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Feb. 2026
-
For an affordable alternative, Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Polo Sweater achieves the same put-together look for less.—
Kristine Thomason,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Feb. 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
-
Congress does not have a yay or nay on the merger, but Democratic lawmakers have warned of investigations and other actions, something that will prove much more salient if the party gains control of one or more chambers in the midterms.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2026
-
And as the movement gains traction, psychologists are stepping in to analyze the phenomenon and its place in public discourse.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Reece Atwood tags her with an RBI single off the left-field wall that scores Kayden Henry, MaTaia Lawson follows with a 2-RBI single into right, and Jaycie Nichols bounces another single up the middle.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Reynoso scores United’s 300th regular-season goal on July 15.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The hotel also regularly makes donations of food, clothing, and surplus bath products to Room In The Inn and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The win makes the Horned Frogs the first team in Big 12 history to win back-to-back titles within three seasons of finishing in last place.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalks up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalks%20up. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
