stack up

verb

stacked up; stacking up; stacks up

intransitive verb

1

: to add up : total

2

: measure up, compare

—usually used with against

Synonyms

• approach
• approximate
• compare (with)
• measure up (to)

Examples of stack up in a Sentence

those newspapers have been stacking up in the basement since we moved here

Recent Examples on the Web

But as the duo get ready for their debate tonight in Manhattan, here’s a head-to-head comparison of how the two vice presidential candidates stack up financially, based on Forbes estimates and reporting. —Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

Here’s how Mutual of Omaha stacks up against two major players in the long-term-care space. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2024

Herbert got 1 yard on second down, then was stacked up for no gain on third down when defensive end Tyquan Lewis crashed off the edge and stuffed the play. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2024

Upon further digging, evidence began stacking up against the brothers. —Emiliana Betancourt, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stack up

verb

: measure up sense 2, compare

see how you stack up against the champion