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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of mutation
The first severe case of bird flu in the U.S. is showing signs of mutation, stoking fears that the virus could become more transmissible among humans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced.
—
Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
If the mutations accumulate slowly, symptoms might not arrive until their 50s, 60s or beyond.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
With this new study, the research team was trying to determine if these outliers were a result of mutations caused by the fallout of the Chornobyl disaster.
—Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025
The mutation was also seen in a critically ill Canadian teen hospitalized in November.
—New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for mutation 
Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
If the mutations accumulate slowly, symptoms might not arrive until their 50s, 60s or beyond.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
With this new study, the research team was trying to determine if these outliers were a result of mutations caused by the fallout of the Chornobyl disaster.
—Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025
The mutation was also seen in a critically ill Canadian teen hospitalized in November.
—New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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Watching competing Science Olympiad team members talk about their machines felt like a group of proud classic car owners sharing new modifications with their people Saturday afternoon.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
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Given that the modification improved safety and did not destroy the coat, a lawsuit may not hold much weight.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The inadequate staffing at the Reagan airport tower was also hardly an anomaly.—
Kaanita Iyer,
CNN,
2 Feb. 2025
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But the shocking bath the owners of 70 W. Madison took is hardly an anomaly.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Any major chemical alteration to the fossil can affect the strontium value and give an inaccurate date.—
Bruce J. MacFadden,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2025
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The ballpark was granted landmark status in 1984 to prevent alterations by Tribune Co. in what was then a mostly advertising-free venue.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Weather data from cities across the state suggest that while temperatures are gradually rebounding, variations persist in different regions.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
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The nomination marks a variation from Trump's anti-establishment rhetoric.—
Zac Anderson,
USA TODAY,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Because of changes in federal regulations, more people actually qualify for the federal financial help.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
31 Jan. 2025
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Examining the attenuation of the waves — along with changes in wave speed — could provide previously unseen clues about LLSVPs’ makeup.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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But for all its delightful strangeness, Groundhog Day is also a rarity among American holidays.—
Avery Keatley,
NPR,
1 Feb. 2025
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Now 78 years old and living in Medina, Washington, Wallach's journey in aviation began in 1975, at a time when female pilots were an extreme rarity in commercial airlines.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Other major investments in the budget include school and program expansions, staff positions like social workers and transformation coaches, and school pool maintenance and staffing.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
7 Feb. 2025
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From jellyfish cut to Joker, Lady Gaga is back with another hair transformation.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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New bird flu variant found in dairy cattle Until now, the human cases of bird flu traced to cattle have been mild, mostly eye infections.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
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Flu may be crowding out COVID At the same time, no new variant has evolved that's any better at getting around the immunity people have built up, according to Aubree Gordon, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near mutation
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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