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
Overall, mutations in PTEN are among the most common mutations in sporadic cancers.
—
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025
And then seeing all the different possibilities that might arise initially through neutral mutations, and once in a while through mutations which give rise to an advantage at a disadvantage.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 12 June 2025
In 2007 Hazen collaborated with Szostak to write a computer simulation involving algorithms that evolve via mutations.
—Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
But when a loss-of-function mutation on the gene that codes for KDM3A was introduced, two of the baby mice out of a group of 43 with XY chromosomes had ovaries instead of testes.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025
And then seeing all the different possibilities that might arise initially through neutral mutations, and once in a while through mutations which give rise to an advantage at a disadvantage.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 12 June 2025
In 2007 Hazen collaborated with Szostak to write a computer simulation involving algorithms that evolve via mutations.
—Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
But when a loss-of-function mutation on the gene that codes for KDM3A was introduced, two of the baby mice out of a group of 43 with XY chromosomes had ovaries instead of testes.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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The Medi-Cal modifications mark a retreat from California's ambitious universal healthcare expansion, which had made the state a national leader in providing comprehensive health coverage regardless of immigration status.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
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While commissioners were scheduled to vote on a modification of the county’s existing ICE agreement, there was a last-minute move to delay that vote indefinitely.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
28 June 2025
Noun
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These scans can detect benign anomalies that trigger unnecessary follow-ups and patient anxiety.—
Sindhya Valloppillil,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Beyond that in-the-moment reaction, though, the anomaly was not acknowledged during the remainder of the test, which seemed to conclude as planned.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Hydrothermal alteration occurs when warm seawater is pushed into Earth’s crust and reacts with the rocks before returning to the ocean.—
Stephanie Edwards,
Discover Magazine,
27 June 2025
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The new push to a unified UI has led to an alteration of one of the longest-standing brand images in computing.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Of course, there can be other variations of a theme as the 32-team tournament enters its final 10 days.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
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The Senate and House have both included these items in the bill, but just in different variations.—
Joyce Orlando,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Noun
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After Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett announced from the court’s mahogany bench last month that lower court judges had gone too far in pausing President Donald Trump’s changes to birthright citizenship, the court’s liberals got their turn.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
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Unfortunately, that’s not the case here; this bill is fundamentally a re-orientation of the federal government and a change to the social compact that did much to generate American prosperity from the aftermath of the Great Depression through today.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Stalter is refreshingly comfortable in her own skin—a rarity in Hollywood (and everywhere else, really).—
Lindy Segal,
Glamour,
7 July 2025
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But that isn’t the case for the Cardinals, who are a rarity in this regard.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Don’t ignore the discomfort—use it as fuel for transformation.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
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This approach helps serve as a strategic driver for transformation, operational scalability and long-term resilience.—
Thanh Pham,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Every toy variant of the classic Gundam in this Ver.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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In past years, the changes from one variant to the next were sometimes drastic.—
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi,
Discover Magazine,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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