1
as in modification
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 anomaly
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 mutation About 10% of CF patients aren’t eligible for the current medications because of side effects or particular mutations. —
Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 15 Mar. 2026 What’s happening is that these populations have increased so dramatically that there have been many opportunities for mutations to occur and even for the limited genes retained during the bottleneck to group in different ways. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 5 Mar. 2026 In August, global health authorities noticed that a mutation of an influenza virus called ‘Subclade K’ was spreading quickly in other countries. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 30 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 See All Example Sentences for mutation
Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 15 Mar. 2026 What’s happening is that these populations have increased so dramatically that there have been many opportunities for mutations to occur and even for the limited genes retained during the bottleneck to group in different ways. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 5 Mar. 2026 In August, global health authorities noticed that a mutation of an influenza virus called ‘Subclade K’ was spreading quickly in other countries. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 30 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 See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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And falling into just following a viral recipe, but not making other modifications, doesn't actually support baseline and metabolic health.— Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
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The fight over those changes - responsible for weeks of turmoil in the House - ultimately resulted in limited modifications that failed to satisfy privacy hawks.— Eric McDaniel, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There had been doubt over the 2026 launch following the second failure of the H3 in seven tries in December 2025, but the issue was soon isolated as a payload fairing separation anomaly, clearing the way for MMX to proceed.— Andrew Jones, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
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The Microsoft-OpenAI deal wasn’t an anomaly.— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The demand for dry cleaning and alterations was overwhelming.— Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
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Crews have been working around the clock to protect the dam, deploying pumps and sandbags and making alterations to increase water flow.— Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There will be seasonal vegetable variations too.— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
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Jalen Brunson knows any variation of offensive plays featuring both him and All-Star teammate Karl-Anthony Towns can be difficult, nearly impossible for opposing defenses to guard.— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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What might be a fairly routine affair — some performers change outfits nearly every song — is in Lowery’s latest taken to beguiling extremes when the pop star Mother Mary (Anne Hathaway) turns up wet and forlorn at the studio of her former fashion designer Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel).— Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
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Trump has long agitated for changes at CNN, and few expect his Justice Department to block the transaction.— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The space is also adorned with vitrines showcasing jewelry by David Webb, Boucheron, and René Boivin, as well as other rarities, like an asteroid fragment and a Tyrannosaurus rex tooth.— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2026
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Now, their rarity might be giving sedans the same effect.— Robert Ferris, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The automaker agreed this month to buy an unidentified AI hardware firm for as much as $2 billion of Tesla’s common stock and equity awards to help accelerate the transformation.— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
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Early days, but during my visit many locals were keen to see the transformation, booking tables in the restaurant and bar for sunset views.— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Its mining variant, called QuickStrike Long Range, uses a Mark 82 bomb fitted with sensors capable of detecting ships.— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
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Health experts say the variant may be more contagious but doesn’t appear to cause more severe disease, and vaccination is still recommended.— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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