1
as in modification
a significant and basic change
The sculpture series underwent several mutations as the artist experimented with different materials and techniques.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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.
Related Words
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
Suppose a chance mutation in a species granted a random female the ability to reproduce all on her own, through parthenogenesis.
—
Elizabeth Kolbert,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
The Cicada variant has the potential to reduce protection from a vaccine or previous infection because of the number of mutations.
—
Eva Flowe
june 17,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
Her six-year-old son, Nico, has Down Syndrome, and both Nico and his three-year-old brother, Noah, are deaf, due to a mutation unrelated to Down Syndrome.
—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2026
So, what causes these mutations and what's the impact?
—
Emily Kwong,
NPR,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Elizabeth Kolbert,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
The Cicada variant has the potential to reduce protection from a vaccine or previous infection because of the number of mutations.
—
Eva Flowe
june 17,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
Her six-year-old son, Nico, has Down Syndrome, and both Nico and his three-year-old brother, Noah, are deaf, due to a mutation unrelated to Down Syndrome.
—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2026
So, what causes these mutations and what's the impact?
—
Emily Kwong,
NPR,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
-
The modification also attracted the attention of his HOA, which filed a lawsuit.
-
Specifically, policymakers cite the importance of more preventive care in addition to lifestyle modifications such as a better diet and more exercise that improve health independent of healthcare provision.
Noun
-
The film stars Gosling as Ryland Grace, an amnesiac teacher on a solo mission to save Earth from a sun-draining anomaly.
-
Bobrovsky should still have tread on the tires, and maybe last season was an anomaly.
Noun
-
The Fish and Wildlife Service says habitat alteration has reduced its range and abundance, because the butterflies need specific food plants and places to live and grow during critical stages of their life cycle.
-
This data can be helpful in tracking changes in body composition due to alterations in patient diet, exercise level, or drug treatments.
Noun
-
Making mini lava cakes is fussy, but this large format variation is as easy as can be.
-
Futsal is a variation of soccer that uses five players on each side and is popular in Argentina and Brazil.
Noun
-
But that requires several changes to state law and the Colorado Constitution requires ballot measures address only one subject.
-
Consider rearranging a corner of your home, because practical changes can lift your mood and productivity.
Noun
-
Alex Bell, chairman emeritus of Sotheby’s UK and Old Masters worldwide, said the work succeeded because it combined scale, rarity, impeccable provenance, and immediate visual impact.
-
Amsterdam was largely laid out in the 17th century, making new land available for gardens a rarity.
Noun
-
This led to vast transformations in surgery, childbirth, handwashing, sterilization and infection control, per NIH and the Science History Institute.
-
Kardashian, 45, was first to debut North’s style transformation, posting her daughter with vibrant blue hair to her Instagram Stories in June 2025.
Noun
-
Indirect prompt injection is the harder variant of the same flaw.
-
Though family members were not encouraged to pursue genetic testing at the time, advances in research later revealed that her sister carried a pathogenic BRCA1 gene variant, prompting Evert to get tested herself.
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
