1
as in to attribute
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 to achieve
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
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Recent Examples of chalk up
Anna Osborn, 30, began struggling with severe pelvic pain, which doctors chalked up to a urinary tract infection, in October 2023.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 9 May 2025
This region is home to the greatest share of women having children at 40 and older — a trend that experts chalk up to a combination of economic opportunity, progressive social norms and access to reproductive technology.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
Danny Donovan also homered, while South Suburban College commit Ben Geary added a two-run single, Mickey Lotus went 2-for-2 with four runs and Daniel Coyle chalked up two runs and an RBI.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025
Online trolls picked apart her appearance and stage presence, and chalked up Scowl’s rapid ascent to business executives who wanted a pretty face on album covers.
—Mike Isaac, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 9 May 2025
This region is home to the greatest share of women having children at 40 and older — a trend that experts chalk up to a combination of economic opportunity, progressive social norms and access to reproductive technology.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
Danny Donovan also homered, while South Suburban College commit Ben Geary added a two-run single, Mickey Lotus went 2-for-2 with four runs and Daniel Coyle chalked up two runs and an RBI.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025
Online trolls picked apart her appearance and stage presence, and chalked up Scowl’s rapid ascent to business executives who wanted a pretty face on album covers.
—Mike Isaac, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chalk up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chalk up
Verb
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The Education Department reported a 5.5% backlog despite a 62% spike in requests, which the agency attributed to tech upgrades and department-wide training.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
18 May 2025
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The death was originally classified as an accident and attributed to congenital heart abnormalities, even though his parents said there had never been any sign of such problems.—
Jacey Fortin,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Farewell From Dodger Stadium at the 2023 Emmy Awards, becoming the 19th person to achieve the feat.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
21 May 2025
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Gerry was a terrific public servant who achieved much.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Such takes ascribe an idiot savant quality to his governance style, furthered by what appears to be the presence of the Dunning-Kruger effect, in which confidence is conflated with competence.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2025
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Many persons believed the shock was due to an explosion, but investigation developed that no explosion had occurred and the tremors were finally ascribed to an earthquake.—
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
arkansasonline.com,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Harvard has fought back in the courts, winning a temporary restraining order on May 23 that will allow international enrollments to continue as the case makes its way through the courts.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
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Del Bosque’s Work Is About More Than Sporting Excellence Del Bosque is the only coach to win the World Cup, Euros, and Champions League (this one with Real Madrid in 2000 and 2002).—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Biden, once again for being Biden, will not unrealistically attain access to drugs and treatment that will elongate his own life.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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The fact that the team had only participated in 12 races prior to 2010 highlights how, in this F1 era and within a relatively compressed segment of the world championship’s 75-year history, only Mercedes and Red Bull have attained true superteam status.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Alaska’s history as a literal and figurative bridge between not only the Americas and Asia but also between Europe and Asia will gain prominence with climate change.—
Saleem H. Ali,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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Variety: Spanish films have gained recognition abroad in recent years, especially from new voices.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
18 May 2025
Verb
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Corporate earnings Shares of UnitedHealth closed down 5.1% after reports that the company made secret payments to nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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The brand makes our favorite down comforter, the best budget bamboo sheets, and the best affordable linen sheets.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chalk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chalk%20up. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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