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

While the crux of the case centers on the release of the agreement, attorneys for The Star and Independence are also at odds over whether the city ignored The Star’s records request. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

According to this worldview, the middle of life, far from a time to reset yourself, is the crux of human existence. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

But the crux for any investor is that the massive spending must start flowing back to these companies as massive returns within the next few years. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 July 2026

That was the crux of my Sunday column for Investing Club subscribers. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 July 2026

Rhymes for the crux

• deluxe
• influx
• mamluks
• redux
• woodchucks
• chucks
• ducks
• dux
• flux
• klux
• lux
• plucks