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
Directed by Alex Gibney and narrated by Laura Dern, Crazy, Not Insane follows the crux of Lewis’ academic assertions, which state that murderers are made, not born.
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James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
That question is at the crux of Irish filmmaker John Carney’s sixth sometimes magical, at times tonally dissonant solo directorial feature.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
This all leads to the crux of the debate — does a strong defence or a strong attack win you the Champions League?
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 29 May 2026
That issue is the crux of the dispute.
—Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
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James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
That question is at the crux of Irish filmmaker John Carney’s sixth sometimes magical, at times tonally dissonant solo directorial feature.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
This all leads to the crux of the debate — does a strong defence or a strong attack win you the Champions League?
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 29 May 2026
That issue is the crux of the dispute.
—Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 27 May 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 12 Jun. 2026.
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