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
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Recent Examples of mutation
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
It is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 24 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
Genetic factors could be a family history of cancer or random mutations.
—Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
It is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 24 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
Genetic factors could be a family history of cancer or random mutations.
—Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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Throughout the 20th century, the tiara underwent a key technical modification.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
13 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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These incidents are not anomalies.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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Foley is an anomaly in Massachusetts – a Republican appointee who is willing to shake things up and take on the entrenched power structure, and is transparent and accessible.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The design of the mikvah was approved with another long list of conditions including things like alterations on the type of window glass, exterior lighting, facade materials and landscaping.—
Lauren Costantino
February 11,
Miami Herald,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Usher’s Office located the shop’s owner, who opened his shop that evening and made alterations on a morning suit using Dad’s measurements.—
John Wrory Ficklin,
Time,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Across five courses, each cocktail is a Negroni variation transformed through techniques such as evaporation, infusion, and reconstruction.—
Melinda Joe,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
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Using patterns of repetition and variation, the stitched quilt pieces resolve differently from up close and from farther away.—
Benjamin Lima
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Signaling the need for change Strazik worked in GE’s aviation engine and gas power businesses before taking over what was then GE Power in 2021.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Shape, texture, information Beyond visual changes, the smart skin can also reveal hidden information through mechanical deformation.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Temperatures remained solidly below freezing during both daytime and nighttime for several consecutive days — a rarity at a statewide scale for Texas.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Houston Chronicle,
13 Feb. 2026
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Eyes turn to this one because a win here seals a second straight league title for Methuen/Tewksbury (15-0-2), which is a rarity in the MVC/DCL Large.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Mark your calendar On Thursday, Malia scored another exclusive, reporting on LACMA’s announcement that the David Geffen Galleries, the pinnacle of a two-decade campus transformation, will officially open April 19.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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While scientists have long observed this liquid-to-solid transformation, the exact molecular link that converts these fluid droplets into a high-performance final structure has remained a mystery until now.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The cargo variant targets heavier logistics.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
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The avid reaction to the Yiddish variant surprised everyone involved.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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