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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Recent Examples of mutation
This part of the study provided the first direct functional proof that mutations within the phage genome can permanently silence its ability to reactivate.
—
New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
For example, mutations in the CNTNAP2 gene, which plays a role in the development and function of the nervous system, have been linked to a predisposition of autism, particularly among some Amish children.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
Blinky became a symbolic picture for real-world commentary regarding the dangers of mutation and nuclear waste, and in 2011, a real-life three-eyed wolf fish was caught near an Argentinian nuclear plant, per ZME Science.
—Zoe Kaplan, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
In addition, a specific mutation in the tau gene increases pTau217 levels.
—Robert Martone, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutation
New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
For example, mutations in the CNTNAP2 gene, which plays a role in the development and function of the nervous system, have been linked to a predisposition of autism, particularly among some Amish children.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
Blinky became a symbolic picture for real-world commentary regarding the dangers of mutation and nuclear waste, and in 2011, a real-life three-eyed wolf fish was caught near an Argentinian nuclear plant, per ZME Science.
—Zoe Kaplan, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
In addition, a specific mutation in the tau gene increases pTau217 levels.
—Robert Martone, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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However, the school is looking to enforce some sort of modification.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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North, 12, was seen wearing fake body modifications alongside her friends, who were also wearing faux face tattoos, in several clips posted on her TikTok account shared with Kardashian, 45, last weekend.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the Chicago ruling becomes a regional anomaly or a national precedent for holding federal immigration officers personally accountable to the courts.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
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Similar to finding that planets do not orbit the earth, the search for economics anomalies requires searching for empirical facts that cannot (easily) be explained using the standard economic model where everyone chooses by optimizing and makes no systematic mistakes.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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So that seemingly innocent Machu Picchu stamp—one of the most popular souvenir stamps around—could be viewed not as a harmless keepsake but as an unauthorized alteration that might jeopardize your ability to travel.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
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Earlier alterations were made incrementally, and only after much deliberation.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Different Spins on the Viral Focaccia Sandwich While the original Trader Joe’s viral focaccia sandwich features roasted turkey, burrata, bacon, and a pesto-mayo spread, creative home cooks have been experimenting with endless variations to suit different tastes.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Oct. 2025
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Flower color of wild plants is typically red, though variation exists across its range.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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When asked whether the store will be back next year, Simonson said the company will evaluate changes to the property as needed.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Oct. 2025
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Domestic viewership may have been impacted by a change in methodology.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For high-profile travelers, specifically, the appeal lies in the rarity and rawness of the experience.—
Brad Japhe,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Oct. 2025
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But actually finding these fossils is a rarity.—
Regina G. Barber,
NPR,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Saudi Arabia’s nine-year-old economic transformation plan, known as Vision 2030, is 85% complete, Minister Al-Falih said in opening remarks at the Fortune Global Forum.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
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Yamal was a crucial part of Hansi Flick’s remarkable transformation at Barca over 2024-2025, taking a team that finished on its haunches under Xavi to a domestic treble in a style that was very often electrifying.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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People who carry the APOE4 gene variant have the highest genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Oct. 2025
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The new longer-range variant – dubbed the UMPB-5 – has already been used in strikes against Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine in recent days.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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