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 Many previous vaccines targeted the same cancer markers in everyone, while this one is designed around the unique mutations in each person’s tumor, says Funchain. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Every tumor has a unique set of mutations, even among patients with the same type of cancer, Healy said. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 Scientists take a sample of the patient’s tumor, either from existing tissue or a new biopsy, and analyze it for mutations. — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Washington will have to persuade allies that its most offensive moves were the product of a particular personality rather than a permanent mutation in the political system. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 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
  • Counter walked IndieWire through a maze of electrical and ventilation equipment that has accumulated additions and modifications over the decades — all of it above a massive pitch-black attic.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, focus on physical barriers and habitat modification.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of modification
Noun
  • The sound of the band is an anomaly, even within the obscure parameters of underground Latin.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The oversize dive and pilot’s watches of the 1990s and early 2000s were an anomaly, and recent years have seen a return to more sensible proportions.
    — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of anomaly
Noun
  • Every month, those cameras capture billions of license plates and other details about cars, including makes, models, colors and any alterations.
    — Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Projects such as new construction, additions, alteration or repairs, grading, retaining and fence walls, sign permits, swimming pools, change of use and use of land permits would qualify for fast-tracking.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of alteration
Noun
  • Quantum sensing sees underground QGG works by measuring tiny changes in gravity caused by variations in the density of material beneath the ground.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Cementitious grout is made from cement, water, aggregate materials, and, depending on your variation, can also include sand.
    — Abid Haque, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of variation
Noun
  • After years of demanding change from outside the system, Johnson will now help shape accountability from within it.
    — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But after two decades in the rearview, Pluto’s demotion still stirs anger and controversy, and many people regard its change in status as a very bad thing.
    — Mike Brown, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of change
Noun
  • Moritz Grossmann, which expects to produce only about 400 watches this year, is happy to remain a rarity seeker's brand.
    — Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The arrangement between the Sheriff’s Office and fire-rescue is a rarity.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • That’s made the industry one of the most visible examples of how China’s breakneck AI transformation is impacting people’s livelihoods — wiping out jobs and creating new ones, leaving everyone unsure what’s next.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • For most organizations, the transformation has already begun.
    — Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of transformation
Noun
  • The other piece was a close up of the castle against a deep blue sky with a variant of this showing Disney's traditional shooting star firework in an arc above it.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The weekly newspaper also reports a hybrid variant is on its way, too.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mutation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mutation

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