mutate

verb

mutated; mutating
Synonyms of mutatenext

transitive verb

: to cause to undergo mutation
mutative adjective

Examples of mutate in a Sentence

a disease that mutates genes in humans a group of mutated genes Over time, her feelings mutated from hatred into love. opera singers mutating into pop stars
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The meme mutated in every direction. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026 But problems emerged as the department evolved to confront a mutating threat. Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026 The footage also shows that Peter's DNA is mutating, which brings him to Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner for help. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 Most organisms use tens of thousands of protein types, and each can be mutated, modified and measured in different ways and in countless environments. Marc Zimmer, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutate

Word History

Etymology

Latin mutatus, past participle of mutare

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutate was in 1818

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mutate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

mutate

verb
mu·​tate ˈmyü-ˌtāt How to pronounce mutate (audio)
mutated; mutating
: to undergo or cause to undergo mutation

Medical Definition

mutate

verb
mutated; mutating

transitive verb

: to cause to undergo mutation
mutative adjective

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