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
The 50-year journey for Ringgold’s masterpiece to be placed in a museum is at the crux of the feature.
—
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 26 Feb. 2025
The Heart of the Matter: Defining Personhood At the crux of this complex issue lies the question of how personhood is defined by state laws.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Which hits at the crux of another issue: These pieces run closer to opposition that complementary.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2025
For a president who came into office claiming that human rights would be at the crux of his foreign policy, Biden's inability to hold Azerbaijan responsible for its war crimes and atrocities will be a stain on his legacy.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the crux
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Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 26 Feb. 2025
The Heart of the Matter: Defining Personhood At the crux of this complex issue lies the question of how personhood is defined by state laws.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Which hits at the crux of another issue: These pieces run closer to opposition that complementary.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2025
For a president who came into office claiming that human rights would be at the crux of his foreign policy, Biden's inability to hold Azerbaijan responsible for its war crimes and atrocities will be a stain on his legacy.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 2025.
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