mutations

noun

plural of mutation
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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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 mutations That score folds AlphaGenome’s predictions about the effect of mutations on gene regulation together with predictions from AlphaMissense— an earlier model that DeepMind built that looks specifically at protein-altering mutations. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 To trace these mutations, researchers typically must painstakingly search through billions of data points to search for signals, but AlphaGenome Atlas could offload a lot of that work. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 2026 Late-stage studies have shown success in directing the immune system to attack tumor-specific mutations. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026 State has been a pioneer in identifying high-risk genes, and the mutations in those genes, that are associated with profound autism. — Pien Huang, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 The patients had all previously tried other therapies with little to no success and had mutations in RAS proteins, which can drive tumor growth. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Each patient had tumor-promoting mutations in a member of the RAS family of proteins, and had previously tried other therapies. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026 Researchers spent decades trying to target a group of mutations called RAS — responsible for nearly a third of all human cancers — but the protein’s flat shape defied typical drugs. — Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Unlike many conditions catalogued under the umbrella term of dementia, childhood dementias are often caused by mutations in a single gene that happen to trigger similar mechanisms responsible for adult-onset neurodegeneration. — Mike McRae 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutations
  1. modifications
  2. anomalies
  3. changes
  4. variations
  5. alterations
  6. variants
  7. transformations
  8. exceptions
Noun
  • Law enforcement agencies have partnered with the company to speed up investigations by having access to a database that logs vehicle information like license plate, make, model, dents or modifications.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Some leases restrict drilling, strong adhesives or any modifications beyond small nail holes.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of modifications
Noun
  • The new meters automatically deliver alerts in the event of outages or other anomalies, meaning customers don’t have to call in.
    — Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Additionally, magnetic anomalies found in iron-bearing minerals in the south now make more sense.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of anomalies
Noun
  • Trump requested changes to the helipad last month after expressing dissatisfaction with the project.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Ramsey, meanwhile, followed Joe Willock against Liverpool, Barnes against West Brom and Nick Woltemade at Spurs in providing a goal contribution as a substitute, continuing Jaissle’s early knack of making match-altering changes.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of changes
Noun
  • Both Mac security firm Jamf and a researcher have ​​documented macOS variations of ClickFix that can bypass Gatekeeper protections.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Each is handmade, so slight variations only add to the charm.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of variations
Noun
  • Those changes include alterations to Big Willow over the next 18 months, including a new clubhouse, a new and expanded balcony, and a space dedicated to the Petersen Automotive Museum for a focus on historical race cars.
    — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In situations where the facts support that an owner’s installation is a material alteration, the approval procedures for alterations to the common elements prescribed under the community’s governing documents would need to be followed.
    — Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of alterations
Noun
  • Like most other variants, the symptoms of the Cicada variant are the same as those of other COVID-19 variant infections.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Definition of variants
Noun
  • Bridgers proffers the second of the film’s most impressive transformations when Del is occasionally pressed into service to perform as an underage boy — changing her body language, her gait and, again, her voice.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • New Risks And Considerations Digital and AI transformations share implementation risks, including integration failure, weak adoption and cybersecurity exposure.
    — Michael Tyrimos, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of transformations
Noun
  • Cincinnati traditionally opts not to negotiate extensions during the season and has stuck by that with rare exceptions.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Some exceptions to the law do apply, including health conditions, relocation for a spouse’s job change or providing care for a sick family member.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of exceptions

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mutation
mutations
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Cite this Entry

“Mutations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutations. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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