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
The mutation is strongly associated with Parkinson’s disease and is estimated to increase risk by nearly 30 times.
—
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Altman is describing a mutation of mankind well underway.
—Chop Choppish Shop, Air Mail, 2 May 2026
Eight years ago, Vitarello’s daughter Mila received a bespoke medicine designed for her particular disease-causing mutation.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 1 May 2026
The cells were grown 400 generations and typically picked up 20–30 mutations, but none of those restored an isoleucine to any of the ribosomal proteins.
—ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Altman is describing a mutation of mankind well underway.
—Chop Choppish Shop, Air Mail, 2 May 2026
Eight years ago, Vitarello’s daughter Mila received a bespoke medicine designed for her particular disease-causing mutation.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 1 May 2026
The cells were grown 400 generations and typically picked up 20–30 mutations, but none of those restored an isoleucine to any of the ribosomal proteins.
—ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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The shift to an all-wheel park requires no construction modifications and would utilize separate sessions to maintain safety and maximize facility activity, city officials said.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
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WaiV Robotics’ system allows uncrewed aerial vehicles to launch and recover from vessels as small as 10 m long without requiring modifications to the drone’s hardware or software.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
8 May 2026
Noun
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This past offseason proved to be an anomaly when the Bulldogs didn’t lose any.—
Connor Riley,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
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The unconscious brain was learning to tell the tones apart, continuously reorganizing its neural responses to better detect the anomaly over the course of the 10-minute playback.—
Jacek Krywko,
Scientific American,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Many reviewers, including petite shoppers, note that the pants hit at just the right length without needing alterations, and the inseam works well with both flats and heels.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
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He was also not included in Villa’s Europa League squad, with the club only allowed to make three alterations ahead of the knockout phase, with January signings Tammy Abraham and Douglas Luiz, plus the return of Leon Bailey, included.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Noun
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Stacking is the key to McCarthy's lunar imagery, enabling him to turn the subtle variations of color in an image of the moon into the rich browns and blues seen in his edits.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
9 May 2026
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My recipe is a variation on the original given to me by dear friend, the late, great Irene Jakubowski, who lived much of her life in Valparaiso before retiring to Monticello and her death in 2008.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Noun
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The most recent playoff game with at least 25 lead changes came May 2, 2015, when the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers had 31.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
7 May 2026
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Although still early days, the adoption of AI is contributing to changes in the occupational mix; has been directly cited as a reason (or, perhaps, scapegoat) for layoffs; and has shown potential to influence economy-shaping dynamics such as productivity and wages.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
Noun
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That’s a rarity for Edwards, who has become the voice of the Mighty Macs, consistently leading the team and pushing her teammates to keep getting better.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Disneyland guide maps printed by Advantage ColorGraphics over the past three decades often show up on eBay for hundreds of dollars — depending on the rarity of the Disneyana collectibles.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Noun
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This portrait of its transformation into some of the world’s most productive farmland reveals humanity’s relationship with prairie land.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
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Blending artistic training, real-life moments and top-tier musical performances, the series delivers a compelling journey of personal ambition, creativity and transformation.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Separately, the Netherlands’ health institute said that three people showing symptoms after coming into contact with an infected person aboard an aircraft have been tested for the Andes variant of hantavirus, with two tests coming back negative and a third still pending.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
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The production version of the Ibex, which will be based on the all-wheel-drive Crafter variant, won’t look radically different from the concept, but there have been some tweaks following a year of testing in exotic locales like Iceland and the Fareo Islands, according to New Atlas.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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