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
  • Plan ample time before or after a treatment to make good use of the luxurious hot springs here, since this town’s world-famous mineral water is really the essence of your visit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The scent wraps rose water, Damascena rose essence and absolute, and centifolia rose in soft, sweet notes of green almond, pink raspberry, and a touch of mauve violet.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • In this case, the O is designed with roots that represent the land, a lamb for spring and new birth, and an almond blossom petal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Born and raised in Nogales, Mexico, the fourth of twelve children, Trujillo had deep community roots.
    — Allie Torgan, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • Earlier this year, a Supreme Court decision weakened a core provision of the Voting Rights Act, threatening Black political representation across the South.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Picture of Dorian Gray An enchanted portrait and a life of debauchery are at the core of this lavish literary horror by Oscar Wilde.
    — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • While many viewers praise the former child star as the beating heart of the series, her newfound success comes with heightened tabloid scrutiny, thecoverage wading into everything from her looks to her love life.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor splashed a wide-open triple from the top of the arc with 30 seconds to go to give tie the game, and then broke the visitors hearts to improve the Sky’s record to 14-22.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • The era also marked a turning point for the mob in Las Vegas, as the FBI turned a more critical eye on organized crime in the city and a new state gaming agency began investigating casinos more aggressively.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Dicker hit a 21-yard field goal for the Chargers' first points of the game.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of point
Noun
  • There certainly may be a kernel of truth to Musk’s professed safety concerns, but plowing through bollards that are explitly designed to protect pedestrians from rogue drivers isn’t helping his case.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Transfer the warm kernels to a food processor, add the remaining butter, and process until smooth and thick.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 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 24 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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