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
Definitions of those words have become the crux of the case before the Supreme Court.
—
Susan Haigh, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2025
So even if the rule is outdated, the crux of holiday etiquette never will be.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025
These heights arrive at the crux of the breakless two-hour play, after Oedipus (Strong) has been engaged in his bullheaded pursuit of the truth for some time.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025
Siemens’ Digital Twin technology lies at the crux of the micro factory’s intelligence.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Susan Haigh, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2025
So even if the rule is outdated, the crux of holiday etiquette never will be.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025
These heights arrive at the crux of the breakless two-hour play, after Oedipus (Strong) has been engaged in his bullheaded pursuit of the truth for some time.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025
Siemens’ Digital Twin technology lies at the crux of the micro factory’s intelligence.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 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 Dec. 2025.
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