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
And in 2023 DeepMind released AlphaMissense, another AI tool that predicts how mutations in the regions of the genome that do generate proteins affect gene function.
—
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
Americans are being urged to be extra vigilant this winter, as a suite of influenza A mutations has created a dominant virus strain that's spreading more rapidly and evading our natural and therapeutic abilities to fight infection.
—New Atlas, 5 Jan. 2026
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
Americans are being urged to be extra vigilant this winter, as a suite of influenza A mutations has created a dominant virus strain that's spreading more rapidly and evading our natural and therapeutic abilities to fight infection.
—New Atlas, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutations
Noun
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The New York State Legislature is expected to consider a state constitutional amendment to permit mid-decade redistricting or further modifications to the 2014 state constitutional amendment that created new redistricting reforms.—
Jeffrey M. Wice,
New York Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
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According to a project overview, beyond the pipeline itself, NEX includes a new compressor station, compression additions and modifications at two existing stations, upgrades to existing pipeline facilities, as well as capacity leased on a third-party pipeline.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Beyond weapons diagnostics, the setup could enable studies of sterile neutrinos, axions, or unexplained anomalies seen in reactor antineutrino spectra.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
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The goal isn’t just to detect anomalies, but to understand how every change fits into the broader system.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Negotiations to avert a partial government shutdown are being complicated by Democratic demands that any changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy be written into law by Congress.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Jan. 2026
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Brooklyn Nets Barring massive changes, the Nets will definitely function as a cap space team.—
Danny Leroux,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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These include cable crossovers, dumbbell flies, overhead press variations and TRX one-arm chest presses, explains Sewell.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
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As seen on the Golden Globes red carpet, there can be variations in the curl.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.—
Stephanie Armour,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2026
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An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 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
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The snapshots immediately went viral online, with fans reacting to the actors and respective transformations into the eight-time Grammy-winning band.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Jan. 2026
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Effects follow causes through smooth transformations.—
Amir Husain,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There are exceptions, including former vice president Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth and Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Feb. 2026
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The deans forwarded 54 courses to the university's president, and 48 exceptions were granted.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutations. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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