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
Those mutations include ones in genes for EGFR, ALK, and HER2—the last of which was driving Wojcicki’s cancer.
—
Alice Park, Time, 12 May 2026
Among the more unusual succulents Kent has are crested plants — mutations of plants that give them unusual shapes and other characteristics.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
What’s more, the Phase 3 trial included patients without the KRAS mutation — suggesting potentially that all pancreatic cancer patients might benefit in some way.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 6 May 2026
The study found those carrying the GBA1 mutation but without symptoms already show an intermediate microbial profile, suggesting early changes before disease onset.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Alice Park, Time, 12 May 2026
Among the more unusual succulents Kent has are crested plants — mutations of plants that give them unusual shapes and other characteristics.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
What’s more, the Phase 3 trial included patients without the KRAS mutation — suggesting potentially that all pancreatic cancer patients might benefit in some way.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 6 May 2026
The study found those carrying the GBA1 mutation but without symptoms already show an intermediate microbial profile, suggesting early changes before disease onset.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation
Noun
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These modifications provide Israel with greater independence in maintaining and upgrading the aircraft while improving mission adaptability in regional conflicts.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
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These don’t alter the underlying DNA sequence of the cells but are modifications or chemical tags that alter gene activity.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Noun
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The massive rocket has encountered a number of anomalies and failures since its debut in April 2023 ended in a premature explosion, including fiery mishaps both on the test stand and mid-flight that have attracted plenty of headlines.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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Diego, its creator, begins to notice glitches and anomalies that reveal alternative uses for the system.—
Roberto Prieto,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Noun
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The stadium will need several alterations to accommodate the soccer team, including changes to the field, improvements on the HVAC system, flood and drainage repairs, and other structural fixes.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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While the rotary knob that surrounds the ignition button provides quick access to the various drive modes (which includes a customizable Individual mode), hard buttons for features like damper stiffness and exhaust volume allow for specific alterations to the driving experience on the fly.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Jean-Claude Manuguerra, who heads Pasteur's Environment and Infectious Risk unit, said the remaining variation appeared to reflect natural viral variation and did not seem to affect the characteristics of the virus detected among travelers.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
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Thousands of other farmers perch in variations of these treehouses, which dot the landscape of central Sri Lanka.—
Diaa Hadid,
NPR,
16 May 2026
Noun
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The spinoff will feature Beth Dutton riding horses more frequently, a change from her character's past trauma.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Perhaps the most controversial coaching change of the offseason came in Buffalo, as the Bills moved on from Sean McDermott and elevated Brady, the offensive coordinator, to take his place.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
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This differs from the traditional approach of many high jewelers, who often begin with exceptional gemstones because of their rarity and value.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Funding aside, that rarity has also posed a problem for researchers.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
12 May 2026
Noun
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After years of tariffs, market volatility, and rising expectations around transformation and AI, some CFOs may be choosing to step away rather than reinvent themselves for the role’s next phase.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
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Her background includes certifications in organizational change management and professional development, along with years of experience in corporate learning, leadership development and global transformation.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Noun
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The second variant had previously been identified in Denisovans, another shadowy species of ancient human, and also in some modern human populations.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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Standing adjacent to the Orion capsule, the Blue Moon crew cabin and exterior resemble the design of the lander's Mark 2 variant, which will eventually land Artemis astronauts on the moon, if all goes according to plan.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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