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
People with Lynch syndrome have mutations in the genes that normally fix DNA replication errors, preventing them from working properly, the CDC states.
—
ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
In our study, it’s significantly associated with a person having more molecular mutations as well.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026
And once that mutation starts to spread, it’s protected by numbers since it won’t be wiped out if a few mosquitoes die by chance.
—Jacob A Tennessen, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Advertisement Such lingering may in fact have led to the evolution of new strains of SARS-CoV-2, with viruses accumulating new mutations during a stay in an unwitting human host.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
In our study, it’s significantly associated with a person having more molecular mutations as well.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026
And once that mutation starts to spread, it’s protected by numbers since it won’t be wiped out if a few mosquitoes die by chance.
—Jacob A Tennessen, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Advertisement Such lingering may in fact have led to the evolution of new strains of SARS-CoV-2, with viruses accumulating new mutations during a stay in an unwitting human host.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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After winning modifications to the ballot label to remove argumentative and prejudicial language, taxpayers are suing the measure proponents over their ballot argument.—
Jon Coupal,
Oc Register,
10 Apr. 2026
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Study participants were chosen randomly Both took part in risk-factor modification.—
CBS Miami Team,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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For an organization that’s traded away high-scoring veterans such as Panarin and Chris Kreider and lacks top-end prospects, Perreault stands out as a welcome anomaly.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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The only way forward is to scour the space for signs of anything out of the ordinary, from changes in the ads on the wall to a sudden flood that threatens to wash you away, and to turn back if there’s an anomaly.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The review stage has now arrived, with three meetings now scheduled for the coming weeks that should define what will change for F1 in 2026 and lay the groundwork for greater alterations from 2027.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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The total cost, beyond the dramatic, narrative, legal, and emotional alterations?—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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From subtle variations to vibrant color combinations, there's a chrome pink nail design for every aesthetic.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
4 Apr. 2026
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The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a pilot and weapons system officer.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Time will tell if Brown sticks with this group or if changes will be made.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
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When the expectation of change collides with a system configured to withstand change, combustion often follows.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Penguins entered this game having not played for three straight days, a rarity this time of year.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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And these days, any kind of rarity in a revival is worthy savoring.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Analysts attribute this transformation to a combination of geographic necessity, deft diplomacy, and shifting regional alliances.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
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The poem tells the story of the seduction of a sixteen-year-old girl by the watermonster, a mythical figure, weaving together themes of place, identity, trauma, and transformation.—
Patrick Dundon,
JSTOR Daily,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This new model variant offers passengers a quieter and more luxurious ride.—
Omar Kardoudi
April 09,
New Atlas,
9 Apr. 2026
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Candidate mission patches for the inaugural flight suggest that Mengzhou, which features a low-Earth orbit variant designed to carry six or seven astronauts and another to take three to low lunar orbit, could rendezvous with or fly alongside China’s Tiangong space station.—
Andrew Jones,
Scientific American,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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