1
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
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.
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
Scientists around the world are using molecular scanning tools to hunt for specific mutations – single-letter changes in the parasite’s DNA – that make the parasite more resistant to the drug.
—
Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
It is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
These alliances focus on cracking the codes of protein mutations prevalent in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers—targets that have historically resisted treatment.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
Genetic factors could be a family history of cancer or random mutations.
—Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
It is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
These alliances focus on cracking the codes of protein mutations prevalent in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers—targets that have historically resisted treatment.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
Genetic factors could be a family history of cancer or random mutations.
—Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
-
No modifications or add-ons are allowed.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Cognitive bias modification is a therapeutic practice that can help shift your thinking.—
Stefanie Groner,
Glamour,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These incidents are not anomalies.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Foley is an anomaly in Massachusetts – a Republican appointee who is willing to shake things up and take on the entrenched power structure, and is transparent and accessible.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Hitters, naturally, are excited about the alteration.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
4 Feb. 2026
-
When Anthropic fed Claude the entire novel The Great Gatsby with one line changed, the model spotted the alteration in 22 seconds.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Across five courses, each cocktail is a Negroni variation transformed through techniques such as evaporation, infusion, and reconstruction.—
Melinda Joe,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Using patterns of repetition and variation, the stitched quilt pieces resolve differently from up close and from farther away.—
Benjamin Lima
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Signaling the need for change Strazik worked in GE’s aviation engine and gas power businesses before taking over what was then GE Power in 2021.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Shape, texture, information Beyond visual changes, the smart skin can also reveal hidden information through mechanical deformation.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
When Haiti’s two-person Olympic team files into the stadium on Friday for the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Games, Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean hopes the scene will highlight not the rarity of the moment, rather the Caribbean nation’s cultural identity and perseverance.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Williams is aware of the rarity of his situation and his place in it.—
Joseph Hoyt,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Mark your calendar On Thursday, Malia scored another exclusive, reporting on LACMA’s announcement that the David Geffen Galleries, the pinnacle of a two-decade campus transformation, will officially open April 19.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
While scientists have long observed this liquid-to-solid transformation, the exact molecular link that converts these fluid droplets into a high-performance final structure has remained a mystery until now.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The cargo variant targets heavier logistics.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The avid reaction to the Yiddish variant surprised everyone involved.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
