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

This is essentially the crux of the federal investigation and, by extension, baseball’s concern. — Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026

At the crux of the changing debate on data centers is the advent of artificial intelligence. — Ben Szalinski, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Pinter started at center, and then Jovaughn Gwyn came in and saw the crux of the action. — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

The best thing Vea has going for him is the respect of opponents who routinely double-team him, which is the crux of Todd Bowles’ defense. — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for the crux

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