the crux
noun
: the most important part of something (such as a problem, issue, puzzle, etc.)
—usually + of
The crux of the matter is that people are afraid of change.
It's taken a while to get to the crux of the problem, but I think I finally understand it.
Examples of the crux in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tunnel looks have been the crux of the men’s fashion conversation for roughly five years.
—
Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 June 2024
At the crux of the lawsuits are two cop gangs alleged to control the Pasadena Police Department.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024
Here’s the crux of this situation: The original poster is enrolled in both PreCheck and Clear, while their partner of four years is not.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 May 2023
That’s the crux of the problem for Paxton, whose cutter has fallen victim to a loss of fastball velocity since his elbow ligament replacement procedure in 2021.
—Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024
Critics and advocates agree that hiring and retaining employees — particularly train operators — has been the crux of the problem in Chicago.
—Julie Bosman, New York Times, 22 May 2024
The definition differs for each player, but the crux of the message focuses on hard work and giving it your all each day.
—Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2024
That’s the crux of the whole conspiracy or theory that they’re related.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 May 2024
The New York City portal is next to the Flatiron Building while Dublin’s is at the crux of North Earl Street and O’Connell Street.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 14 May 2024
Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 June 2024
At the crux of the lawsuits are two cop gangs alleged to control the Pasadena Police Department.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024
Here’s the crux of this situation: The original poster is enrolled in both PreCheck and Clear, while their partner of four years is not.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 May 2023
That’s the crux of the problem for Paxton, whose cutter has fallen victim to a loss of fastball velocity since his elbow ligament replacement procedure in 2021.
—Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024
Critics and advocates agree that hiring and retaining employees — particularly train operators — has been the crux of the problem in Chicago.
—Julie Bosman, New York Times, 22 May 2024
The definition differs for each player, but the crux of the message focuses on hard work and giving it your all each day.
—Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2024
That’s the crux of the whole conspiracy or theory that they’re related.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 May 2024
The New York City portal is next to the Flatiron Building while Dublin’s is at the crux of North Earl Street and O’Connell Street.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 14 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the crux.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near the crux
Cite this Entry
“The crux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20crux. Accessed 18 Jun. 2024.
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