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 was the crux of the latest Gmail attack, tricking users into sharing codes.
—
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
The instant, ardent determination with which Anna devours Joseph’s letters and begins her affair with Oliver is the crux both of the story and of its form.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 May 2025
At the crux of the dispute was whether the school could be considered a state actor.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 22 May 2025
This is typically the time of year for such deals as the draft and the crux of the roster building — the Ravens filled one of their biggest holes last week by agreeing to terms with veteran nose tackle John Jenkins — are done.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
The instant, ardent determination with which Anna devours Joseph’s letters and begins her affair with Oliver is the crux both of the story and of its form.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 May 2025
At the crux of the dispute was whether the school could be considered a state actor.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 22 May 2025
This is typically the time of year for such deals as the draft and the crux of the roster building — the Ravens filled one of their biggest holes last week by agreeing to terms with veteran nose tackle John Jenkins — are done.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 21 May 2025
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 5 Jul. 2025.
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