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
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Many systems require special coatings, structural modifications, or complex fabrication steps to make the fibers responsive.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
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Additional improvements will be new paths along Randall Road, storm sewer installation, traffic signal modifications, intersection lighting, roadway resurfacing and landscape restoration.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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He was eventually diagnosed with CVI and more diagnoses followed - microcephaly, hypotonia, developmental delays, brain anomalies, etc.—
Brad Quick,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Demi Lovato is making some changes to their upcoming tour in order to prioritize their heath.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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The transistor can detect image changes in just 100 microseconds, much faster than human perception.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
11 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
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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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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
-
The Adidas Samba‘s current reign has had a seemingly endless string of transformations, including a few with dressier elements.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
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When humans leave Earth’s gravitational pull, the brain undergoes a series of physical and functional transformations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
10 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 17 Feb. 2026.
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