crux

noun

ˈkrəks How to pronounce crux (audio)
Definition of cruxnext
as in essence
the central part or aspect of something under consideration the crux of the problem is that the school's current budget is totally inadequate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crux The noise reached its crux during the Oklahoma State game, after which — coincidentally or not — Peterson started playing more. — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026 And midway up the ascent, Herson encountered an unbelievably challenging crux. — Frederick Dreier, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026 That, for him, was the practical crux. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026 Climb Ice Cream features flavors named after terms familiar to climbers, such as pRappel (ube chocolate chip), K2 (spicy apple pie), Mount Matcha, v3 (vanilla), chocolate crux and more. — Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crux
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crux
  1. essence
  2. root
  3. core
  4. heart
  5. point
  6. kernel
Noun
  • That is the idea that encapsulates the essence of this country.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • This hamlet is Liguria reduced to its essence, with a coastline flanked by the requisite colored stone fishermen’s houses, and tranquil bays—Prelo, Trelo, and Pomaro--rimmed by sand and pebble beaches.
    — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • Beyond these new flavors, Karol G still reminds listeners of her strong Colombian roots and Latin music expertise.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Matt Wood is 5’7, five inches shorter than Jackman, but that would be good enough to satisfy most fans hoping Logan goes back to his comic roots.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • Instead, having a consistent, longer-term core should help Carrick further develop this United side’s tactical identity, improve the players already at his disposal, and allow cohesion and team spirit to grow naturally.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Chapman, 33, should know Monday the severity of a hernia and a core muscle tear in his right abdomen.
    — Devin Bradshaw, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Things get increasingly bleak, as the family dog’s heart medicine runs out and Jason has to put him out of his misery, and then — in doomsday prepper mode — carves up the body and puts it in the freezer just in case food gets dire.
    — William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
  • He was rushed to Luton and Dunstable Hospital, where doctors restarted his heart before transferring him to the Royal Brompton Hospital in London for specialist care.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • Teams earned points by winning weekly head-to-head battles – tugging a sled across the field the fastest, surviving a heated game of dodgeball – and by simply doing the right thing.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Analysis conducted by the Pew Research Center found that while Biden won among Hispanic voters by 25 points in 2020, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris only won among them by 3 points in 2024.
    — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of point
Noun
  • After obtaining remote code execution, agents inspected the local system, identified a Linux kernel version vulnerable to a recent privilege escalation flaw, downloaded an exploit, adapted it and obtained root access.
    — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, cook 2 cups yellow corn kernels in a medium skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium heat until warmed through and browned in spots, 6 to 8 minutes.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of kernel

Browse Nearby Words

crutches
crux
cruxes
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Cite this Entry

“Crux.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crux. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on crux

Nglish: Translation of crux for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crux

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