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
At the crux of the issue is the legality of slot-machine-type terminals.
—
Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
This off-kilter confidence is the crux of her appeal.
—Carrie Battan, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
That’s exactly what Bisciotti spent the crux of Tuesday doing.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
The uncertainty, grief and compassion at the crux of many of his frank narratives seemingly reflect the trauma of his adolescence — and, by extension, the stresses of navigating today’s sociopolitical landscape as a gay man.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
This off-kilter confidence is the crux of her appeal.
—Carrie Battan, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
That’s exactly what Bisciotti spent the crux of Tuesday doing.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
The uncertainty, grief and compassion at the crux of many of his frank narratives seemingly reflect the trauma of his adolescence — and, by extension, the stresses of navigating today’s sociopolitical landscape as a gay man.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 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 26 Jan. 2026.
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