1
as in modification
a significant and basic change
The sculpture series underwent several mutations as the artist experimented with different materials and techniques.
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2
as in anomaly
something that is a result of a change in the genes of a plant or animal
This coloration in the bird's plumage is a rare mutation.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mutation
His career is defined by mutation, not branding.
—
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
The 400,000-year-old teeth all had two key mutations in a protein found in tooth enamel.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
The nanobody used in this study binds directly to a portion of CFTR that becomes unstable due to this mutation.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026
Among the more unusual succulents Kent has are crested plants — mutations of plants that give them unusual shapes and other characteristics.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
The 400,000-year-old teeth all had two key mutations in a protein found in tooth enamel.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
The nanobody used in this study binds directly to a portion of CFTR that becomes unstable due to this mutation.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026
Among the more unusual succulents Kent has are crested plants — mutations of plants that give them unusual shapes and other characteristics.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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This structural modification was confirmed using advanced analysis techniques at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
22 May 2026
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Currently, there is no way to share those modifications, but that’s something Google is exploring.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 May 2026
Noun
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The massive rocket has encountered a number of anomalies and failures since its debut in April 2023 ended in a premature explosion, including fiery mishaps both on the test stand and mid-flight that have attracted plenty of headlines.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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Diego, its creator, begins to notice glitches and anomalies that reveal alternative uses for the system.—
Roberto Prieto,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Noun
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The alteration would significantly decrease the ridership benefits with the existing plan.—
Jon Coupal,
Oc Register,
25 May 2026
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The other major alteration David made to the original treatment — a project spurred by his stepmother, Louise, who passed away in 2023 — was to incorporate his father into the story on screen.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
22 May 2026
Noun
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There are more than 40 variations played globally.—
Ingrid Schmidt,
HollywoodReporter,
23 May 2026
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Make his original, below, or try out an even more refreshing variation of El Guapo.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
23 May 2026
Noun
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The spinoff will feature Beth Dutton riding horses more frequently, a change from her character's past trauma.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Perhaps the most controversial coaching change of the offseason came in Buffalo, as the Bills moved on from Sean McDermott and elevated Brady, the offensive coordinator, to take his place.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
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In honor of his 85th birthday, the American Cinematheque will be putting on another program of two oddball rarities from his long career.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
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Cross-cultural work, a rarity until the elevated profile of music science attracted more involvement from anthropologists, has further advanced our understanding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Noun
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After years of tariffs, market volatility, and rising expectations around transformation and AI, some CFOs may be choosing to step away rather than reinvent themselves for the role’s next phase.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
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Her background includes certifications in organizational change management and professional development, along with years of experience in corporate learning, leadership development and global transformation.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Noun
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The second variant had previously been identified in Denisovans, another shadowy species of ancient human, and also in some modern human populations.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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Standing adjacent to the Orion capsule, the Blue Moon crew cabin and exterior resemble the design of the lander's Mark 2 variant, which will eventually land Artemis astronauts on the moon, if all goes according to plan.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
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