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
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The Army vet also attributes his long life to working out at the YMCA.—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
-
Edward Coulson, an economics professor at UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, attributes the low numbers to the region’s expensive home prices and down payment challenges.—
Amancai Biraben,
Daily News,
14 May 2026
Verb
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No Stanley Cup since 1967, and the Maple Leafs went nearly 20 years between series wins between 2004 and 2023.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
-
Move quickly — but don’t skip due diligence Speed wins deals in Charlotte, but speed without care creates problems.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
15 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
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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 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
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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
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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
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Long influential in both Hollywood and Democratic political fundraising circles, the Sabans’ support highlights the unusually broad coalition Pratt has attracted as his outsider campaign gains traction among wealthy donors frustrated with the city’s leadership and response to ongoing crises.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
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Over time, Hansae gets a better sense of a client’s needs, while the customer gains an understanding of the manufacturer’s strengths, creating further efficiencies.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Lynch scores from 1 yard out half the time.—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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Richard Jefferson scores 18 of his 31 points after regulation to lead New Jersey to a 127-120 triple-overtime victory over Detroit and a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.—
Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
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That makes this early matchup, coming off the bye, against the Chargers at Arrowhead so vital.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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Winston makes a cameo to execute another electric Ford Field trick play, and the Giants lose a close one with their offense starting to find a new gear.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chalks up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalks%20up. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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