1
as in modifications
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 anomalies
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 mutations
Experts who study cystic fibrosis, which is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, also want more attention on the health complications that carriers can experience.
—
Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026
Called AlphaGenome, the model takes in sequences of up to one million DNA letters, also known as base pairs, and predicts how mutations in those stretches affect gene expression.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 28 Jan. 2026
Scientists around the world are using molecular scanning tools to hunt for specific mutations – single-letter changes in the parasite’s DNA – that make the parasite more resistant to the drug.
—Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
These alliances focus on cracking the codes of protein mutations prevalent in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers—targets that have historically resisted treatment.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
These mutations disable proteins needed to take folate from the blood and carry it into the cerebrospinal fluid — the liquid that surrounds the spinal cord and the brain.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Genetic factors could be a family history of cancer or random mutations.
—Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Sometimes, harmful mutations aren’t so harmful when paired together.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
This can be done by using molecular testing and then delivering individualized multi-drug treatments for specific tumor mutations, according to a statement from UC San Diego Health.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026
Called AlphaGenome, the model takes in sequences of up to one million DNA letters, also known as base pairs, and predicts how mutations in those stretches affect gene expression.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 28 Jan. 2026
Scientists around the world are using molecular scanning tools to hunt for specific mutations – single-letter changes in the parasite’s DNA – that make the parasite more resistant to the drug.
—Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
These alliances focus on cracking the codes of protein mutations prevalent in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers—targets that have historically resisted treatment.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
These mutations disable proteins needed to take folate from the blood and carry it into the cerebrospinal fluid — the liquid that surrounds the spinal cord and the brain.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Genetic factors could be a family history of cancer or random mutations.
—Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Sometimes, harmful mutations aren’t so harmful when paired together.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
This can be done by using molecular testing and then delivering individualized multi-drug treatments for specific tumor mutations, according to a statement from UC San Diego Health.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutations
Noun
-
Together, these modifications are designed to enhance combustion efficiency and improve energy recovery within a hybrid drivetrain architecture, extracting more usable output from each combustion cycle while supporting electrified performance.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Everyone agreed to keep the existing layout, with some modifications.—
Paola Singer,
Architectural Digest,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Social Security payments are on a regular schedule for February 2026, but recipients of Supplemental Security Income checks should expect one more month of scheduling anomalies.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
12 Feb. 2026
-
He was eventually diagnosed with CVI and more diagnoses followed - microcephaly, hypotonia, developmental delays, brain anomalies, etc.—
Brad Quick,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Climate change and warming oceans could potentially be driving sharks to the Southern Hemisphere’s colder waters, but there was limited data on range changes near Antarctica because of the region’s remoteness, Kyne said.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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More changes are inevitable over the next month, but not like last year’s clear-cutting.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Each generation showed small variations, and just like in nature, those that coped the best passed on their characteristics.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
-
In the world of Manhattan variations, the Brooklyn is one of the best.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But Parker has also taken a few creative liberties and made adaptational alterations — including a key conversation that the showrunner now regrets leaving out.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Feb. 2026
-
But for Bashara, the most important aspects to consider in assessing potential are the home’s foundation, roof, and the extent of previous alterations.—
Staff Author,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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New variants include the TMP era variant and STO era variant, as well as a remaster of the TOS era variant.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
According to Spate, a company specializing in machine intelligence for the beauty industry, eye-catching transformations like these are part of a wider shift within the beauty lexicon toward more expressive, striking hairstyles that epitomize an individual’s persona.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
20 Feb. 2026
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Many of these transformations made competitors uncomfortable, but refusing to go through with a makeover could mean being eliminated from the competition.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Those exceptions are not listed in the OMES report.—
Barbara Hoberock,
Oklahoman,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Overstaying Your Welcome Of course, there are plenty of exceptions, but clarify your arrival and departure times in advance, and be aware of any changes.—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Martha Stewart,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutations. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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