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
That’s exactly what Bisciotti spent the crux of Tuesday doing.
—
Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
The uncertainty, grief and compassion at the crux of many of his frank narratives seemingly reflect the trauma of his adolescence — and, by extension, the stresses of navigating today’s sociopolitical landscape as a gay man.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
That sentiment is at the crux of Williams’ Carnegie Hall concert.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
This is the crux of the legal challenge for Kalshi on one side and states’ gaming commissions and attorneys general on the other.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
The uncertainty, grief and compassion at the crux of many of his frank narratives seemingly reflect the trauma of his adolescence — and, by extension, the stresses of navigating today’s sociopolitical landscape as a gay man.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
That sentiment is at the crux of Williams’ Carnegie Hall concert.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
This is the crux of the legal challenge for Kalshi on one side and states’ gaming commissions and attorneys general on the other.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the crux
Cite this Entry
“The crux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20crux. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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