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 issue is the crux of the dispute.
—
Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Drake’s new music, arriving two years after the crux of his musical feud with Kendrick Lamar, is setting records right and left, even dethroning Michael Jackson.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026
This mystery forms the crux of the film’s middle, even as surrealist scenes bring welcome tonal upheaval to the film’s last third.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 May 2026
Data, rather than trends, Yoon said, is the crux of decision making at both brands.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Drake’s new music, arriving two years after the crux of his musical feud with Kendrick Lamar, is setting records right and left, even dethroning Michael Jackson.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026
This mystery forms the crux of the film’s middle, even as surrealist scenes bring welcome tonal upheaval to the film’s last third.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 May 2026
Data, rather than trends, Yoon said, is the crux of decision making at both brands.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 22 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.
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