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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Relevance

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 Key Takeaways Prostate cancer develops when DNA mutations allow prostate cells to multiply out of control. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 21 Sep. 2026 Scientists analyze mutations in a patient’s tumor and create a personalized therapy designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer. — Sally C. Pipes, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026 Resident Evil 2 fans will most certainly notice a resemblance to William Birkin, the Umbrella scientist whose G-Virus mutations progressively transform him into one of the franchise’s most terrifying bosses. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2026 Someone living in Southern Appalachia today doesn’t necessarily carry the mutation, and someone who carries it may live anywhere, says LoPiccolo. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutation

Noun

Even without modification, white privacy lights are easily obscured by bangs and a bright sunny day.

— Victoria Song, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
Those systems support modifications, upgrades and integration work around the aircraft’s mission architecture.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of modification

Noun

Reconcile your accounts and review reports Even if your books are current, anomalies and errors can creep in.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
And then there is another measure, made official by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration this year, that takes into account the relative temperature anomaly against the background of the warmer ocean from climate change.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of anomaly

Noun

The hotel continues to honor the building's textile history, offering guests an alterations service provided by the professionals at Santa Eulalia, the most prestigious tailors in Barcelona.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Now, after a year of evaluation and alterations to its location, U pick fields, methods of payment and schedule, the Knaus team has instituted a few new rules.

— Connie Ogle October 1, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

Designer sisters Ana and Cristina Calderon have created a variation on Pinto Coelho’s theme, with four-posters in neutral hues, bright blankets and cushions, and Gustavian armchairs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Another prospective study, from Emory University, found evidence of racial bias, but that the inaccurate results were not fully accounted for by variations in skin tone.

— Anil Oza, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of variation

Noun

In addition to easing federal regulations, the bill also encourages states and cities to reform their land-use rules, which would mark a significant change in the federalist system with respect to city planning.

— Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
Even Meta’s settlement with the attorneys general, which requires changes to features aimed at teens, contains plenty of unknowns and ties some of its actionability to competitors doing the same.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

Just let that sink in for a little bit, because in today's day and age, the Bruins being anywhere close to the top-25 in football is a rarity.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Meir presented a how-to video for curly-haired spacewomen like herself, while Hathaway kept his bushy mustache — a space rarity — groomed to perfection.

— Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of rarity

Noun

It is now being managed by the Ritz Carlton after a $55 million transformation that wrapped up in Spring 2024.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Only instead of letting the shade swap speak for itself like both Hailey Bieber and Ella Bright have, Turner texturized the transformation with voluminous barrel curls straight from the big book of ’80s beauty.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of transformation

Noun

As the most lethal and airborne variant of the infection, pneumonic plague is nearly always fatal unless specific antibiotics are given quickly.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Surely, the more efficient and economical approach would be to build a common fighter with a naval variant.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of variant

Browse Nearby Words

mutating

mutation

mutations

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mutation

noun

Example Sentences

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