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.
In fact, influenza A H3N2 mutated seven times over the summer, to emerge as a stronger, heartier virus, Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, tells SELF. Korin Miller, SELF, 22 Dec. 2025 Ghoul Kings have already been revealed in the trailer, as have many of the giant mutated bugs like radscorpions and cazadors, Macaulay Culkin is in as a Caesar’s Legion centurion, and we're bound to witness epic clashes with Maximus' imposing Brotherhood of Steel. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Dec. 2025 Experts who spoke to Flow Space are hopeful that these new approvals will provide the necessary tools to treat a disease that evades treatment by constantly mutating. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Dec. 2025 One thing to note about this virus is that is can mutate relatively rapidly compared to many other viruses. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 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 31 Dec. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mutate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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