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
The supplement helps repair DNA damage from UV exposure, lowering the chances of cancerous mutations.
—
Jamie Ducharme, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Darwinian evolution assumes that random mutations happen all the time.
—D. Scott Schmid, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
Each year, around two million people worldwide are diagnosed with colorectal cancer – and approximately 15-20% of patients have activating mutations in the PI3K pathway, primarily in the PIK3CA gene.
—New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2025
This evolution is driven by a combination of random mutations and natural selection, where the organisms that are most fit for survival, and most adaptable to the changes that occur in their conditions and environment, are the ones who aren’t selected against, and whose lineages continue.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 16 Sep. 2025
The scientists identify genetic variants in these patients and then compare those mutations to past research of those genes in flies.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025
Slowing down viral replication decreases the rate at which a virus can acquire new mutations.
—Deborah Fuller, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
The same mutations can be present in nonautistic people, too.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
Novartis’s radioligand therapy targets mutations in tumors, delivering radiation only where it is needed, unlike ordinary radiotherapy which kills non-cancerous cells as well as cancerous ones.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Jamie Ducharme, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Darwinian evolution assumes that random mutations happen all the time.
—D. Scott Schmid, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
Each year, around two million people worldwide are diagnosed with colorectal cancer – and approximately 15-20% of patients have activating mutations in the PI3K pathway, primarily in the PIK3CA gene.
—New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2025
This evolution is driven by a combination of random mutations and natural selection, where the organisms that are most fit for survival, and most adaptable to the changes that occur in their conditions and environment, are the ones who aren’t selected against, and whose lineages continue.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 16 Sep. 2025
The scientists identify genetic variants in these patients and then compare those mutations to past research of those genes in flies.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025
Slowing down viral replication decreases the rate at which a virus can acquire new mutations.
—Deborah Fuller, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
The same mutations can be present in nonautistic people, too.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025
Novartis’s radioligand therapy targets mutations in tumors, delivering radiation only where it is needed, unlike ordinary radiotherapy which kills non-cancerous cells as well as cancerous ones.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutations
Noun
-
Gulfstream had made modifications with it over the years, but was really running out of ways to refresh the product.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
-
With military modifications, the MRZR can also include infrared and blackout lighting, greater range and collapsible roll cages for internal transport in helicopters and on naval vessels.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Machine learning helps detect anomalies at scale, while automation reduces analysts’ workload by triaging alerts and speeding up responses, Achanta told ISACA.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Among the tasks included in that program are real-time monitoring for high-risk spending activity and better tracking of spending anomalies by students or vendors, according to Smith.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
See latest data on cases, variants and more The recommendations come after upheaval at the CDC, including the ouster of its former Director Susan Monarez, who had resisted changes to vaccine policy advanced by Kennedy.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Those changes helped turn the momentum back in Chelsea’s favour.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
As for what exact variations and shades to score for this season?—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
1 Oct. 2025
-
In fact, the device is built to withstand humidity, wind, temperature variations and the rigors of frequent transport.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In practice, Mitchell was not around long enough to oversee the transfer window immediately preceding this season, but regular discussions were held across 2024-25 to determine the alterations Newcastle should make for future European seasons.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
However, these don’t exhibit such dramatic alterations in brightness.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
However, Hiro, who counts Bradley Cooper, Gary Oldman and Charlize Theron as some of his most iconic transformations, says recreating Kerr’s prominent brow bone on Johnson was the most challenging prosthetic.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
4 Oct. 2025
-
This is just another shift in a career full of transformations—in sound, look—that have marked MGK, formerly Machine Gun Kelly, as a dramatically mutable star, and invited charges of inauthenticity.—
Taylor Antrim,
Vogue,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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One option would require universal permitting, meaning every business that emits the five toxics would need a permit, and another proposal would require universal permitting with some exceptions.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
30 Sep. 2025
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There have been exceptions, of course, like Dario Vitale’s divisive first collection for Versace, which had the merit of placing the brand at the center of conversation.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mutations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutations. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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