mutations

noun

plural of mutation
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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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 mutations In most populations around the world, many of these genes have accumulated mutations over time that have left about 60 percent of them nonfunctional. — Willow Zhang, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026 And there have been issues with adapting seasonal vaccines when expected strains surprise us with unexpected mutations. — New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2026 Under a 2026 update to screening guidance, men in higher risk groups, including those of Black ancestry, men with germline mutations and men with a strong family history, may be offered screening as early as ages 40 to 45. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 According to research, HCAs and PAHs that form at high temperatures can cause DNA errors and mutations, potentially leading to cancer. — Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026 Cancer cells often acquire mutations that weaken drug binding while allowing the protein to keep functioning. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Nine were the initial sequences output by the AI, and the remaining seven had acquired additional mutations after being inserted into bacteria. — ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026 The study argues that mutations in the DLL3 protein, which is vital during early body development, could be the root of short spine syndrome. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 July 2026 The senator is trying to build the case that Fauci and other officials helped produce the COVID-19 pandemic by approving funding of research on virus mutations and then covered up their complicity. — ABC News, 29 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutations
  1. modifications
  2. anomalies
  3. changes
  4. variations
  5. alterations
  6. variants
  7. transformations
  8. exceptions
Noun
  • The proposal could also allow some drivers to avoid further penalties by correcting their vehicle's modifications and bringing it into compliance.
    — Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Ford also admitted there’s been rear wing modifications via the DRS system and an additional set of dive planes mounted on the front bumper.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of modifications
Noun
  • Used well, these tools can reduce manual reporting, improve forecasting, identify anomalies and help teams focus on higher-value decisions.
    — Ozan Ozerk, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This feature can also analyze spending patterns, notify customers of anomalies, and recommend areas where customers can save more.
    — Catherine Collins, USA Today, 26 July 2026
Definition of anomalies
Noun
  • Over the last year, the Broward County Public Schools system has gone through several changes.
    — Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The ratings do not consider personnel changes on the roster or coaching staffs.
    — Loren Maxwell, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of changes
Noun
  • In the years since the watch first landed on the moon, the brand has produced a number of variations on the Speedmaster, which is where the Reduced comes in.
    — Tres Dean, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Coming-of-age films with variations of these characters and dynamics come around pretty often; rather more unusual are those written and played with this degree of care and compassion.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of variations
Noun
  • Unlike simple digital tags, text watermarking is complex, as alterations can change meaning or be easily removed.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • And then, hardmaxxing has to do with making sort of permanent alterations, going that extra mile.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of alterations
Noun
  • Like most other variants, the symptoms of the Cicada variant are the same as those of other COVID-19 variant infections.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Definition of variants
Noun
  • Every form of leadership is fraught with challenges, transitional struggles and transformations.
    — Nishtha Sareen, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Announcing the decision that day, Hochul stated that society is currently undergoing one of the most dramatic economic transformations in generations—perhaps even in history.
    — , CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of transformations
Noun
  • The Constitution protects defendants from being prosecuted for the same crime twice, but Mangione's dueling state and federal cases fall into one of the exceptions for double jeopardy.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The London Diamond League sells out 60,000 each year and Jamaica’s school championships always brings tens of thousands to Kingston, the two standout events and current exceptions to the rule.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of exceptions

Browse Nearby Words

mutation
mutations
mute
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Cite this Entry

“Mutations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutations. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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