mutate

verb

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mu·tate | \ ˈmyü-ˌtāt

, myü-ˈtāt

mutated; mutating

Definition of mutate

intransitive verb

: to undergo mutation

transitive verb

: to cause to undergo mutation

Other Words from mutate Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About mutate

Synonyms & Antonyms for mutate

Synonyms

Antonyms

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 The oral polio vaccines use weakened viruses that, if able to spread from person to person amid poor sanitation and low vaccination rates, can mutate to regain disease-causing capabilities. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 1 Aug. 2022 However, just like SARS-CoV-2, plant diseases mutate quickly, and variants require new control strategies. — Jonathan Margolis, Scientific American, 20 June 2022 In rare cases, the weakened virus can mutate and become capable of transmission. — Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 21 July 2022 In rare instances, the weakened virus can mutate into a form capable of sparking new outbreaks. — Mike Stobbe, Anchorage Daily News, 21 July 2022 But the coronavirus can mutate rapidly, potentially upending the public health landscape. — Amy Hubbard, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2022 In addition, the monkeypox virus doesn’t mutate rapidly like a coronavirus. — Evan Bush, NBC News, 23 May 2022 In a reservoir, the virus can mutate and emerge as different strains. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Apr. 2022 But what may start off as altruistic, if a bit naive, motives can mutate into something resembling status-obsession detached from its purported original mission. — Ethan Lamb, National Review, 23 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mutate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.