Synonyms for

Mutation

Verb / mju:ˈteɪʃʌn / Another word for mutation — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A change in the genetic material (DNA) of an organism that results in different traits.

Synonyms & similar words

variation mutant sport chromosomalmutation geneticmutation variation alteration modification transformation change conversion adaptation transition metamorphosis evolution shift divergence deviation departure aberration anomaly irregularity oddity quirk freak

Synonyms by register

Formal

alteration modification variation change

Informal

twist shake-up change-up

Literary

metamorphosis transfiguration

Antonyms

originality stability sameness uniformity consistency unchanged

Common collocations

  • genetic mutation
  • gene mutation
  • point mutation
  • random mutation
  • causes mutation
  • undergo mutation
  • detect mutation

Word family

noun mutation
verb mutate
adjective mutational
adverb mutatedly

Usage note

Primarily used in biology to describe changes in genetic material. Can be used metaphorically for significant changes in form or function.

Example sentences

  1. The mutation in the bird's beak allowed it to eat different types of food.
  2. The scientist studied the mutation in the bacteria.
  3. The mutation in the plant made it resistant to the herbicide.
  4. The mutation in the fish's scales made it more colorful.
  5. The mutation in the virus made it more contagious.

Quotes

  • Genetic mutations are the raw material of evolution.
  • Mutations are the engine of evolution.
  • The genetic code is never perfectly copied, and mutations are the inevitable result.

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