mutation

noun

Definition of mutationnext
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

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 two hypervirulent bacterial samples had key mutations in genes that produce the bacterium’s capsule, explaining their gloopiness. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026 The approval, which came ahead of the FDA target date by nearly two months, covers patients with advanced or metastatic tumors with ROS1 mutations who previously tried an ROS1 kinase inhibitor. — Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 23 July 2026 Following alt-rock’s aughties surge, a slew of bands like Mastodon, the Mars Volta, and Coheed & Cambria became main-stage festival acts by adapting modern hard rock conventions into over-the-top mutations. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026 More than 90 percent of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas occur because of mutations in the KRAS gene. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
  1. modification
  2. anomaly
  3. alteration
  4. variation
  5. change
  6. rarity
  7. transformation
  8. variant
Noun
  • AlignSphere Ventures is asking the city for a conditional-use permit to build the hospital, as well as a development-agreement modification and a preliminary plat.
    — Rose Evans July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
  • Some critics contend that this approach may not be widely applicable, with workers in many hourly or low wage jobs unlikely to be employed at companies that would adopt this modification.
    — Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of modification
Noun
  • The system collects readings every 100 milliseconds from roughly 300 sensors on each machine, using time-series anomaly detection and graph neural networks to detect abnormal operating conditions.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
  • TFMs, however, are built to properly process numeric and textual data within rows and columns, identify crucial patterns, and manage common data issues like missing values or anomalies.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of anomaly
Noun
  • The avenue lies within the city’s original historic district, where preservation rules tightly regulate new construction and alterations.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • The coalition said a data center would need 20 megawatts of power, which the group believes would require significant alterations to the building.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
Definition of alteration
Noun
  • Everything, the Basil Karlo, Matt Hagen and all the variations.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 23 July 2026
  • Each piece is individually hand-dyed by artisans in India, producing subtle variations from one linen to the next.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of variation
Noun
  • The administration framed the rule change, which takes effect immediately, as a way to reduce the backlog and fraud in the asylum system.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 28 July 2026
  • Before pursuing hormone therapy, document a serious attempt at those changes and bring that record to your appointment so the clinician can weigh it against your bloodwork.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
Definition of change
Noun
  • Who the actress is playing has been kept a total mystery, a rarity for the type of movie that often advertises its villains as much as its heroes.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • In addition to breakfast and lunches, the tournament serves dinner — a rarity on the PGA Tour.
    — Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 25 July 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • Far-right activist Laura Loomer went from criticizing Ukraine to meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a rapid transformation that came as a pleasant surprise to Europe and Ukraine’s backers.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 24 July 2026
  • The social media algorithm rewards rapid before-and-after transformations or bold statements without nuance, which can affect the way people expect things to happen for them, Aleksic said.
    — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of transformation
Noun
  • This variant ups the complexity of stout with the spiciness of rye and a toasty oak sweetness.
    — Don Tse, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Archer plans to announce the first customers for the commercial variant later this week, the company said in a release.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of variant

Browse Nearby Words

mutating
mutation
mutations
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Cite this Entry

“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mutation

Nglish: Translation of mutation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mutation

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