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 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 The real crux of the outrage against Spilsbury was her endorsement of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the November presidential election. — Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025 But in a Big Ten Conference where height and physicality are king, two unproven big men could be the Bruins’ crux. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 1 Nov. 2025 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
  • The intimate hotel opens for the season in mid-to-late April, and encapsulates the essence of Broad Street, which is known for hyper-local boutiques and restaurants.
    — Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • At nighttime, my typical routine is a double-cleanse, essence, Prismatic+, retinol, and richer cream.
    — Sarah Han, Allure, 6 July 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • The roots of the fall-out stretch back to 2019, before filming for the franchise’s fourth feature instalment began, when Margera signed a wellness agreement with the producers which committed him to sobriety amid his struggles with alcoholism.
    — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
  • Simply apply 1 to 2 inches of natural mulch, like bark mulch, over the roots of your plants to lock in soil moisture and keep the mulch line at least 1 inch away from the plant's stems.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The most severe risk is heat stroke, which occurs when the body's cooling mechanism fails entirely, potentially driving core body temperatures to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within minutes.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Their coupling instantly captured the attention and hearts of fans around the world, and Swift’s presence at Chiefs games was even credited with bolstering female interest in NFL football.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • Ike got his fourth consecutive start at the five and responded with nine points and nine rebounds.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 July 2026
Definition of point
Noun
  • If every kernel inherits the same genes, why would such variation exist?
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
  • Due to the use of the whole wheat kernel, this type of bread is rich in fiber, Zinn explains.
    — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 4 July 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 10 Jul. 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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