MUTATION Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

mutation

noun

Definition of mutation

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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Dissimilar Words

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

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 Translation is a mutation of language, but not direct replication; something happens in the process that shifts the direction of the ideas. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 It’s approved for adults with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have already tried one round of treatment or cannot receive combination chemotherapy, and doesn’t require a test to identify a specific RAS mutation first. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Rasonque targets a mutation in a gene called KRAS that’s found in nearly all pancreatic cancers. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026 Michelle was aware that Jewish women of Ashkenazi, or Eastern European, origin were far more likely to inherit BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations than the general population. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation

Noun

Big science, big detectors One modification that NASA made included building a large focal plane, the component of the telescope that collects light, made up of 18 wide area near-infrared detectors.

— Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
In addition to higher loan rates, new borrowing limits and the modification or phasing out of some repayment plans are also at play.

— Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of modification

Noun

The sound of the band is an anomaly, even within the obscure parameters of underground Latin.

— Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
The oversize dive and pilot’s watches of the 1990s and early 2000s were an anomaly, and recent years have seen a return to more sensible proportions.

— Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of anomaly

Noun

Every month, those cameras capture billions of license plates and other details about cars, including makes, models, colors and any alterations.

— Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
Projects such as new construction, additions, alteration or repairs, grading, retaining and fence walls, sign permits, swimming pools, change of use and use of land permits would qualify for fast-tracking.

— City News Service, Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

Much of the variation across the options is between the West and Central zones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
Closer to home, Roman will monitor small variations in light from stars near the center of the Milky Way galaxy in order to infer the presence of rogue planets drifting between the stars.

— Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of variation

Noun

Flock Safety announced some changes to its policies in mid-August after reports of misuse, including requiring officers to enter specific codes.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
That change was introduced to help give club staff working across transfer departments a more normal working pattern.

— Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

Another stunning composite view of last night's lunar shenanigans was taken by Kohinoor Kar, who documented the transformation of the lunar disk from full Sturgeon Moon to an eclipsed near-blood moon from Phoenix, Arizona.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The building went through an even bigger transformation in 2018, when the interior was stripped down to the studs and completely remodeled, Lange said.

— Evan Moore August 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of transformation

Noun

The other piece was a close up of the castle against a deep blue sky with a variant of this showing Disney's traditional shooting star firework in an arc above it.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The weekly newspaper also reports a hybrid variant is on its way, too.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of variant

Browse Nearby Words

mutating

mutation

mutations

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Style

“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mutation

noun

Example Sentences

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