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
Whether the same can be said about Blake Snell will be determined by his performance in the second half, which brings us to the crux of the issue.
—
Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 18 July 2024
That was at the crux of the arguments from Maryland Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, both Democrats, citing other disasters, including the 2007 collapse of a bridge over the Mississippi River in Minnesota.
—Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2024
That statement is actually at the crux of understanding the distribution of prime numbers.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 1 July 2024
According to my dermatologist, daily sunscreen is the most essential skin care and the crux of all anti-aging efforts.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for the crux 
Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 18 July 2024
That was at the crux of the arguments from Maryland Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, both Democrats, citing other disasters, including the 2007 collapse of a bridge over the Mississippi River in Minnesota.
—Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2024
That statement is actually at the crux of understanding the distribution of prime numbers.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 1 July 2024
According to my dermatologist, daily sunscreen is the most essential skin care and the crux of all anti-aging efforts.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for the crux
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the crux.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“The crux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20crux. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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