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
  • But many housing experts point to local zoning and red tape as the root of the slowdown in homebuilding.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • For items like green onions, trim the root end and remove the outer layer and wash thoroughly under running water.
    — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 10 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
  • An ice sculpture of a heart includes a tube through the ice arrow that pierces the heart.
    — Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
  • However, there has been discussion about keeping the 65-foot heart that has been a major photo-op for the thousands of fans that have come to Fan Fest.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 10 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

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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 11 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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