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
Genetic testing helps identify underlying mutations or abnormalities in genes.
—
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
The algae and the slug may have managed some kind of gene transfer, and over time, produced a new way of living, thanks not to slow, stepwise evolution—the random mutation within a body—but by the wholesale transfer of a piece of code.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
But the study builds on existing evidence that over time, mutations in these pathogens helped strengthen the immune systems of the nomads that were among the first to get sick, while more stagnant farmers and hunter-gatherers succumbed to the new diseases.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
In contrast, people who smoke tend to accumulate many mutations over time that can eventually lead to cancer.
—Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
The algae and the slug may have managed some kind of gene transfer, and over time, produced a new way of living, thanks not to slow, stepwise evolution—the random mutation within a body—but by the wholesale transfer of a piece of code.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
But the study builds on existing evidence that over time, mutations in these pathogens helped strengthen the immune systems of the nomads that were among the first to get sick, while more stagnant farmers and hunter-gatherers succumbed to the new diseases.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
In contrast, people who smoke tend to accumulate many mutations over time that can eventually lead to cancer.
—Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
-
In addition, Gastineau says the language provides him the right to approve modifications to his performance.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Unlike temporary residence permits that require renewal, citizenship provides permanent rights that transcend political changes or program modifications.—
Jeremy Savory,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The other 155 anomalies wound up being natural formations like plant growth or artificial items like fishing gear, as noted in the release.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Analytical signal map of the residual field with the red dots representing the anomalies.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Earlier this month, permission was granted for minor internal and external alterations at the property, PA reported, citing redacted planning applications lodged with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Recent regulatory alterations under the Trump Administration, which are generally viewed as detrimental for the automotive industry, might actually benefit Tesla.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Intersex people have variations in chromosomes, hormone levels or anatomy that differ from what’s considered typical for male and female bodies.—
Lisa Song,
ProPublica,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The chain will also roll out two new variations of potato chips.—
Logan Holland,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Sky front office could feel a change coming to the league even before the 2024 draft brought high-profile stars such as Clark and Reese and new levels of popularity.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Aug. 2025
-
Not huge change, said Jason Eddleston, who bought the business in 2022 with his wife, Lindsey.—
Neal Rubin,
Freep.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Walk through the quaint lobby to find another hidden gem, the Sax Garden, a romantic French-style garden restaurant, complete with a heated outdoor pool (a rarity in Paris), checkerboard marble floors and green foliage.—
Nicole Trilivas,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
This difficult position might explain why Putin’s grip over even his own loyal underlings is slipping as more economic officials speak out with warnings over the dire state of the economy—a rarity in Putin’s command and control system.—
Time,
Time,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Too often, organizations treat digital transformation as simply installing new tools on top of old ways of working.—
Rajan Kohli,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Hill County students are returning to school this week and will find little sign of the transformation their campuses went through, administrators say.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Perhaps 2025 will see metal covers on at least one more iPhone variant.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
An additional variant of the album was added to Swift's website on Aug. 18.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share