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
That pipeline of town-to-country is the crux of the Pendry Natirar experience.
—
Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2024
Those results, alongside anecdotes from workers and criticisms against the two companies from governments, scholars and others, are used as the crux of Oxfam’s argument throughout the complaint.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2024
The European Court of Justice does not consider Tunisia and Egypt completely safe, which is at the crux of last week’s ruling.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024
At the crux of that mission was an effort to raise $1 million in one month for the Harris campaign.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the crux 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2024
Those results, alongside anecdotes from workers and criticisms against the two companies from governments, scholars and others, are used as the crux of Oxfam’s argument throughout the complaint.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2024
The European Court of Justice does not consider Tunisia and Egypt completely safe, which is at the crux of last week’s ruling.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024
At the crux of that mission was an effort to raise $1 million in one month for the Harris campaign.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the crux
Dictionary Entries Near the crux
Cite this Entry
“The crux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20crux. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share