1
as in modifications
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 anomalies
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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Recent Examples of mutations
And in 2023 DeepMind released AlphaMissense, another AI tool that predicts how mutations in the regions of the genome that do generate proteins affect gene function.
—
Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 28 Jan. 2026
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
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
These mutations disable proteins needed to take folate from the blood and carry it into the cerebrospinal fluid — the liquid that surrounds the spinal cord and the brain.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Genetic factors could be a family history of cancer or random mutations.
—Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Sometimes, harmful mutations aren’t so harmful when paired together.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
This can be done by using molecular testing and then delivering individualized multi-drug treatments for specific tumor mutations, according to a statement from UC San Diego Health.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Americans are being urged to be extra vigilant this winter, as a suite of influenza A mutations has created a dominant virus strain that's spreading more rapidly and evading our natural and therapeutic abilities to fight infection.
—New Atlas, 5 Jan. 2026
Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 28 Jan. 2026
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
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
These mutations disable proteins needed to take folate from the blood and carry it into the cerebrospinal fluid — the liquid that surrounds the spinal cord and the brain.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Genetic factors could be a family history of cancer or random mutations.
—Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Sometimes, harmful mutations aren’t so harmful when paired together.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
This can be done by using molecular testing and then delivering individualized multi-drug treatments for specific tumor mutations, according to a statement from UC San Diego Health.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Americans are being urged to be extra vigilant this winter, as a suite of influenza A mutations has created a dominant virus strain that's spreading more rapidly and evading our natural and therapeutic abilities to fight infection.
—New Atlas, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutations
Noun
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Many systems require special coatings, structural modifications, or complex fabrication steps to make the fibers responsive.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
14 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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The software does not identify species but highlights anomalies, helping inspectors decide which packages deserve closer inspection.—
Eve Bohnett,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
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Arranged in grids that connect to low-Earth-orbit satellites, the nodes are capable of collecting and sharing data used to create high-resolution maps of anomalies, miles underground, that might be gold, copper, nickel, lithium, or other minerals.—
Lauren Steele,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Demi Lovato is making some changes to their upcoming tour in order to prioritize their heath.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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The transistor can detect image changes in just 100 microseconds, much faster than human perception.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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When Luckman arrived in Chicago, the Bears playbook had hundreds of designs from the T Formation, with hundreds of variations in the playbook and seemingly hundreds more in the imagination.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
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For something that feels newer, there are a lot of variations among the top Y2K girl names that are just as enduring but perhaps less common.—
Anna Earl,
Parents,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.—
Stephanie Armour,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2026
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An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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New variants include the TMP era variant and STO era variant, as well as a remaster of the TOS era variant.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The Adidas Samba‘s current reign has had a seemingly endless string of transformations, including a few with dressier elements.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
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When humans leave Earth’s gravitational pull, the brain undergoes a series of physical and functional transformations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The courts have granted exceptions to search without a search warrant and each specific incident should be reviewed based on its facts.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
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Because the government has halted refugee programs, with a few exceptions, IRIS has no new refugees – people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence or persecution – to help settle.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutations. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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