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
-
Lowe primarily attributes this behavior shift to warming waters from climate change.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
If no candidate wins a majority in the primary, the top two finishers will advance to a November runoff.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The team closest to the pallino wins the point.—
Brittany Anas,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 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
-
Some users have found that microdosing, or taking the drug in small amounts, achieves the best health outcomes, but some experts warn against it.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The Power and the Glory achieves the comfortable combination of a thriller plot with the high, moral ambiguity of a modern drama.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 Apr. 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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Lori listens in dumbfounded silence, keeping her eyes on the prize, and trying not to roll them when Julian makes a comment about the dearth of great women artists—the kind of remark that earned him a close brush with cancellation in the past.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
If feedback arrives, take it as encouragement to refine, not retreat, since practice is what makes potential skills into real ones!—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalks up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalks%20up. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
