MUTATION Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

mutation

noun

Definition of mutation

as in modification

a significant and basic change The sculpture series underwent several mutations as the artist experimented with different materials and techniques.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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.

Related Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of mutation These mutations could explain how natural selection has shifted the existing population – and inform conservation efforts in the future. — Hannah Chinn, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026 These mutations aren’t necessarily inherited; instead they can be caused by certain exposures, or simply by chance. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026 The mutation remains rare nationwide, affecting roughly one in 15,000–16,000 people. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Key Takeaways Prostate cancer develops when DNA mutations allow prostate cells to multiply out of control. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation

Noun

Diplomats in Haiti had raised concerns about the modifications ahead of publication.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
The latest contract modification will add two craft to the Navy’s ongoing procurement program, supporting its efforts to maintain and strengthen the capabilities required for modern amphibious operations.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of modification

Noun

Recently, the Griffin MSI also announced plans for alterations to the North Portico where the main entrance has always been, in the form of a welcome hall.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
These bridal redesigns start at £600, with simple alteration projects closer to £200.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

Informed by its huge trove of 10 years of prior battery data, Theyyunni said its large language models now predict the results of dozens of minor chemistry changes and process variations far faster than any physical prototyping and testing could.

— John Voelcker, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026
Nacer is quite good at variations of patriarchal obliviousness, and Pebdani suffuses her women with streaks of guilt.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of variation

Noun

Capitalizing on a time of deindustrialization and demographic changes in a heavily Hispanic city, the law galvanized a base of white, working-class supporters.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Luna implores Yue, recently divorced, not to get stuck in a holding pattern, either in her career or her relationships — but Luna, too, needs to make some changes.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

Just let that sink in for a little bit, because in today's day and age, the Bruins being anywhere close to the top-25 in football is a rarity.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Meir presented a how-to video for curly-haired spacewomen like herself, while Hathaway kept his bushy mustache — a space rarity — groomed to perfection.

— Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of rarity

Noun

The contract covers engineering, technical assistance, technology integration, supply-chain development, workforce training and digital transformation initiatives.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Its construction marks another chapter in the transformation of an island whose identity has long been tied to industrial production.

— Sarah Belmont for ArtNews, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of transformation

Noun

The exclusive variant has a more aggressive aero package than the supercar it’s based on, weighs 16 pounds less, and makes 37 hp more.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026
Details about the precise specifications of this orbital variant of Rikhter's famous weapon vary.

— Micah Hanks, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of variant

Browse Nearby Words

mutating

mutation

mutations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of mutation

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on mutation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

zenith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 16

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes