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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Lowe primarily attributes this behavior shift to warming waters from climate change.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
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This movie, along with recent articles on perimenopause and seemingly endless social media chatter, attributes every possible symptom associated with stress, parenthood, burnout, depression, and normal aging to perimenopause.—
Patricia Bencivenga,
STAT,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This Marlins will have to ride pitching, defense and one-run wins again.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Dev Ayesa — still on Mars, still planning big, still stubborn as hell, and newly swole, per the opening montage — wins the prize for best graduation gift in a walk by giving Alex a superfast Mars motocross-style bike.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
27 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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The midsize luxury car achieves 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
-
This alloy achieves cooling via adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration (ADR).—
Etiido Uko
March 23,
New Atlas,
23 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
-
Get in now with these rewards as the platform gains traction.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Your 6th House of Work and Health gains traction as karmic Saturn sextiles unearthing Pluto, potentially inspiring you to design a less-stressful checklist.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The director scores easy laughs off of modern-day progressive shibboleths such as gender-fluid pronouns, trigger warnings and Native American land acknowledgments.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Houston Chronicle,
25 Mar. 2026
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Luka Doncic scores 32 points, but can’t get a clean look on the final shot attempt as the Lakers lose to the Detroit Pistons 113-110.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Throughout the process, Orsolya makes a great show of her reasonableness and decency.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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The goal is to increase transparency of what is what on Reddit while preserving the anonymity that makes Reddit unique.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalks up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalks%20up. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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