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

CycloRP aims to work with existing engines without requiring hardware modifications.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Today, Richard Engel reports on the modifications some Ukrainians have made to daily life in the midst of a full-scale war with Russia, namely how doctors, patients, teachers and students have moved underground.

— Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of modification

Noun

If a camera spots an anomaly — the wrong gasket installed on an oven, for example — the system will shut that part of the line down and start playing loud music.

— Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026
Those data will either reveal this one event to be an anomaly or uncover more like it.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of anomaly

Noun

Naturally, Varnell, deemed out of touch, is resistant to the characterization and the alterations, and much of the comedy is mined from the contrast between the older and younger characters.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Implementing even a small change to an analog system involves physical alterations such as wiring, disconnections, connections and hardware validation.

— Timor Brik, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

Minute variations in the hand engraving, together with individual numbering, mean no two examples are exactly identical.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Such color variations are thought to be associated with camouflage, protection against parasites and ultraviolet radiation, and the effects of pleiotropic genes (genes that influence more than one, usually unrelated, physical trait or phenotype).

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 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

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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mutation

noun

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