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
Increasingly, the crux of the debate around AI’s sustainability has been focused on data centers, which make the nebulous concept of AI very concrete with their massive, humming warehouses full of servers and huge energy requirements.
—
Sasha Luccioni,
Time,
3 July 2026
But in the final analysis, the crux of the movie’s Gen Z–versus–boomer schism may boil down to its major third-act reveal.
—
Chris Lee,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
That’s the crux of it all – of Brunson and now by extension, the Knicks.
—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Timing, not the financial security of the project, was the crux, and all indications were that time was running out.
—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Sasha Luccioni,
Time,
3 July 2026
But in the final analysis, the crux of the movie’s Gen Z–versus–boomer schism may boil down to its major third-act reveal.
—
Chris Lee,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
That’s the crux of it all – of Brunson and now by extension, the Knicks.
—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Timing, not the financial security of the project, was the crux, and all indications were that time was running out.
—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.
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