racking up

Definition of racking upnext
present participle of rack up
1
as in scoring
to gain (as points or runs in a game) as credit towards one's total number of points having racked up a huge number of points in the short program, the figure skater would have to have a disastrous long program in order to miss out on a medal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 racking up Kachel said Vank’s signature moment so far with the Plainsmen came in the regular season finale last season, when Vank baffled Western Nebraska Community College with eight innings of shutout ball, scattering three hits while racking up 10 strikeouts. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026 The Bobcats did their damage in the fifth inning, racking up four runs on a series of four hits, capped off with a two-RBI double from outfielder Harley Vestal. Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026 The score was 49-38 at halftime, with Enis racking up 18 points. ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026 The score was 35-20 at halftime, with Haskins racking up seven points. CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026 Eilish, by contrast, has built her Hottest 100 footprint in a far shorter time frame, racking up entries since her breakout years and becoming one of the most successful international artists in the poll’s recent history. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for racking up
Verb
  • Despite early baskets from Kyle and Kimpson, the Yellow Jackets—with Walker scoring 10 points in under five minutes—established a 21-10 advantage at the first timeout and extended their lead to 26-12 by the end of the first quarter.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Hampshire produced four medalists and three state finalists in scoring 86 points to easily outdistance runner-up Lockport and capture the first state championship in program history.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Here are 10 steps the Cowboys can take toward achieving a perfect offseason — at least in our eyes.
    Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
  • But what makes Chanel’s formula so singular in achieving the look?
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Some Republicans are worried about Paxton’s chances in a general election as the GOP tries to keep control of the Senate in November, and worry that money will need to be spent in Texas that could otherwise go toward winning battleground states, according to Politico.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
  • In the end, Democratic voters appeared to side with Talarico’s argument that winning in Texas would require not only energizing the base but also persuading voters who have grown uncomfortable with Republican leadership.
    Nik Popli, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Oakland’s leaders envision their town attaining similar big-city status.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha as core to attaining enlightenment.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Exclusive restaurant memberships, gyms, creative spaces, social clubs and more are gaining more popularity as consumers search for ways to build community outside of their houses and offices.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The move away from cropped hems serves multiple purposes by adding length to the leg while projecting an effortless aura, which is why the style is gaining traction regardless of style.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Not making enough stops defensively to thwart the Heat while subsequently only hitting 7 of 21 attempts in the final 12 minutes doomed the Hornets.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The Pirates were making their fourth consecutive state tournament appearance.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Racking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racking%20up. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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