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
Successfully wrangling all those variables, and being ready to react to unexpected developments, is at the crux of autonomous driving AI.
—
Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Scientists have proposed a number of hypotheses to explain the correlation between lightning and pollution, all of which revolve around the crux of electrifying a cloud: collisions between snowflake-like ice crystals and denser chunks of ice.
—Chris Wright, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
Which is at the crux of the Chiefs’ internal discussions over these last six days.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
As found in the survey data, an elevated shipping experience is at the crux of why many consumers choose to subscribe to brands’ programs with shipping quality making or breaking loyalty.
—Alexandra Pastore, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Scientists have proposed a number of hypotheses to explain the correlation between lightning and pollution, all of which revolve around the crux of electrifying a cloud: collisions between snowflake-like ice crystals and denser chunks of ice.
—Chris Wright, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
Which is at the crux of the Chiefs’ internal discussions over these last six days.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
As found in the survey data, an elevated shipping experience is at the crux of why many consumers choose to subscribe to brands’ programs with shipping quality making or breaking loyalty.
—Alexandra Pastore, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
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 24 Mar. 2025.
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