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
When paired with putting my boots in front of the heat vent and cranking up the temp for the last ten minutes of the drive, getting my boots on was no longer the crux of the day.
—
Anna Callaghan, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
And this points to the crux of the matter.
—Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Switzerland isn’t like its European neighbors and that is the crux of its charm.
—Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Shot directly through the windshield in a single, uninterrupted take, the moment exemplifies the crux of their unlikely friendship, which eventually turns romantic.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Anna Callaghan, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
And this points to the crux of the matter.
—Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Switzerland isn’t like its European neighbors and that is the crux of its charm.
—Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Shot directly through the windshield in a single, uninterrupted take, the moment exemplifies the crux of their unlikely friendship, which eventually turns romantic.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 1 Feb. 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 24 Feb. 2026.
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