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
Switzerland isn’t like its European neighbors and that is the crux of its charm.
—
Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Shot directly through the windshield in a single, uninterrupted take, the moment exemplifies the crux of their unlikely friendship, which eventually turns romantic.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
However, the crux of the matter lies in the quality of that protection.
—Rodrigo Tardin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
The buy is the crux of the role and everything rolls up into it.
—Raj Dhiman, Sourcing Journal, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Shot directly through the windshield in a single, uninterrupted take, the moment exemplifies the crux of their unlikely friendship, which eventually turns romantic.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
However, the crux of the matter lies in the quality of that protection.
—Rodrigo Tardin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
The buy is the crux of the role and everything rolls up into it.
—Raj Dhiman, Sourcing Journal, 23 Jan. 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 14 Feb. 2026.
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