Crux of the matter WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? N
2 ? U
3 ? B
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      Hint 1

      hint
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      Think of the tiny core that holds everything together.

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      ??? is the central point or essence of a matter.

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      The word '???' refers to the central or essential point of a matter, which aligns with the clue 'crux of the matter.' The clue is asking for the main point or core of the discussion, which '???' represents.

      Hint 4

      another clue
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      Essence of the matter, Pencil that may not be sharpened any further, Essential part, Worn-down part

      Clue Analysis

      The clue “Crux of the matter” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated July 21 2026, the definitive 3-letter answer is: NUB.

      Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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      Crux of the matter Crossword Clue