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
People with Lynch syndrome have mutations in the genes that normally fix DNA replication errors, preventing them from working properly, the CDC states.
—
ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
In our study, it’s significantly associated with a person having more molecular mutations as well.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026
And once that mutation starts to spread, it’s protected by numbers since it won’t be wiped out if a few mosquitoes die by chance.
—Jacob A Tennessen, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Advertisement Such lingering may in fact have led to the evolution of new strains of SARS-CoV-2, with viruses accumulating new mutations during a stay in an unwitting human host.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
In our study, it’s significantly associated with a person having more molecular mutations as well.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026
And once that mutation starts to spread, it’s protected by numbers since it won’t be wiped out if a few mosquitoes die by chance.
—Jacob A Tennessen, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Advertisement Such lingering may in fact have led to the evolution of new strains of SARS-CoV-2, with viruses accumulating new mutations during a stay in an unwitting human host.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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The theory of evolution, one of the keystones of modern biological theory, is based on the idea that living things on Earth can be traced back to other preexisting types and that the differences are due to modifications that occurred over successive generations.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
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In late 2025 the company discontinued much of its product range and brought out a new stable of V series pistols, supposedly designed to resist modification with third-party switches.—
Simon Akam,
Vanity Fair,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The war has also caused an anomaly of sorts in the oil market.—
Damian J. Troise,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
What is causing this fatal anomaly?—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In his ruling, Leon rejected the idea that past alterations and improvements to the White House, made without congressional authorization, mean that an entire new wing can be built without such approval.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
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If authority demands alterations to your plans at the last minute, suggest a practical adjustment that preserves quality, because enduring leadership earns trust without drama.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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From subtle variations to vibrant color combinations, there's a chrome pink nail design for every aesthetic.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
4 Apr. 2026
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The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a pilot and weapons system officer.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The life of the rural region is framed in airy and luminous wide-screen images that recur with a lyrical vision of vast arcs of time amid dramatic social change.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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Prepare for another massive change with temps jumping again in the Philadelphia region.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Consequently, while the consideration of parental gun behaviors is not entirely absent from custody decisions, its relative rarity suggests a deliberate unwillingness to link them with parental fitness considerations.—
Marcia Zug,
The Conversation,
2 Apr. 2026
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Which brings us to the math rarity.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The challenge is not to retreat from circulation, but to insist that circulation be thought through, grounded in specific places and their conditions, and accountable, open to friction, contamination, and transformation rather than insulated coherence.—
Manuela Moscoso,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
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Rather than a one-sided effort, this transformation is driven by collaboration—working closely with our partners to develop solutions and move forward together.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This variant has been spotted in 23 countries and in wastewater from 25 US states, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which quietly published a report on the virus last month.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
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Depending on the variant, a single Reaper can cost upwards of $30 million.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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