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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Recent Examples of mutation
Still, some individuals with CHIP have a significantly higher risk of developing blood cancers than others, including people with high risk mutations like TP53 or with large CHIP clones.
—
Angus Chen, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
One of those, H3N2, has been present for decades, according to the CDC and the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, but its most recent mutation is different enough that the vaccine made to target H3N2 for the 2025-2026 season is not as effective against it.
—Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
Confronting such dramatic mutations requires interpretive and historical learning and the willingness to perceive politics as a dense field of meanings, not something to be flattened into numbers or variables on a graph.
—Jason Blakely, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
This year, a baby with a rare genetic condition became the first child to receive a customized CRISPR gene-editing treatment to fix his specific DNA mutation.
—The Atlantic Science Desk, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Angus Chen, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
One of those, H3N2, has been present for decades, according to the CDC and the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, but its most recent mutation is different enough that the vaccine made to target H3N2 for the 2025-2026 season is not as effective against it.
—Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
Confronting such dramatic mutations requires interpretive and historical learning and the willingness to perceive politics as a dense field of meanings, not something to be flattened into numbers or variables on a graph.
—Jason Blakely, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
This year, a baby with a rare genetic condition became the first child to receive a customized CRISPR gene-editing treatment to fix his specific DNA mutation.
—The Atlantic Science Desk, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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In the end, the standard-boat cabin had 400 stickies noting upgrades and modifications Revolution wanted.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
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The successful modification of these conductive proteins brings the world closer to a future where sustainable energy storage is the norm, not the exception.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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History shows that muses are not anomalies, and their stories are instructive for us now.—
Valerie L. Myers,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
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The vervet monkey is not an anomaly.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The break was necessary, though uncomfortable, to make some alterations before allowing this work to become my lifestyle again.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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His medication was reportedly changed or adjusted before the killings, though an exact time frame for that alteration was not revealed.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In a related phenomenon, many people in East Asia have an intolerance to alcohol caused by a genetic variation that came about relatively recently during the period of rice domestication.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
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The white oak and stained walnut variations make space for a light-blanched vibe or a woodier and more sensational approach, depending on your preference.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In November 2025, Chief Jaime Moore was sworn in as the new head of the department following leadership changes, brought on by the handling of the Palisades Fire.—
Jeff Nguyen,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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That simple change would introduce real competition, allowing merchants to choose lower-cost options and forcing the dominant players to compete on price and service--just like any other market.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The rarity of the mechanism means that legal and political challenges would be expected, and the fallout could reshape city and state politics.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
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The hotel honors its commitment to sustainability with an organic garden that provides fresh ingredients for the restaurant—a rarity on the island, where logistics make fresh produce difficult to come by.—
Carla Vianna,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Foremost, under his tenure, the transformation of the BBC to meet the challenges in a world of unprecedented change and competition is well underway.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
9 Nov. 2025
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Sustainable transformation isn’t achieved by a mandate; instead, it’s driven by leaders who focus on people first.—
Feon Ang,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But don't be worried, the sedan variant is still being made.—
Keenan Thompson,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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The defense outlet Naval News reported that the submarine class proposed for the Philippine navy, currently designated KSS-III PN, is a variant of South Korea's KSS-III Batch-II class, of which the Northeast Asian country recently launched a new vessel.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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