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
Immigration at the crux Immigration policy will likely be one of the more salient issues in the 8th Congressional District race.
—
John Aguilar, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
Some clients said they were told to make up stories of abuse that became the crux of their lawsuit.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
At the crux of the debate wasn’t whether sustainability is important.
—Justin Worland, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
When paired with putting my boots in front of the heat vent and cranking up the temp for the last ten minutes of the drive, getting my boots on was no longer the crux of the day.
—Anna Callaghan, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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John Aguilar, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
Some clients said they were told to make up stories of abuse that became the crux of their lawsuit.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
At the crux of the debate wasn’t whether sustainability is important.
—Justin Worland, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
When paired with putting my boots in front of the heat vent and cranking up the temp for the last ten minutes of the drive, getting my boots on was no longer the crux of the day.
—Anna Callaghan, Outside, 14 Feb. 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 11 Mar. 2026.
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