as in to change
to pass from one form, state, or level to another
colored lights that slowly mutate from green to blue and so on across the color spectrum
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Recent Examples of mutate
Scientists are concerned that allowing the virus to race unchecked through farms would enable it to mutate, potentially becoming dangerous to humans.
—
Donnelle Eller, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Their theory states that the blast was powerful enough to break the DNA of living creatures and possibly cause viruses in Lake Tanganyika to mutate into new species.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
But every new infection provides the virus with new opportunities to mutate.
—Emily Anthes, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
In contrast, influenza B can only infect humans and is less likely to mutate than the A-type counterparts.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutate
Donnelle Eller, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Their theory states that the blast was powerful enough to break the DNA of living creatures and possibly cause viruses in Lake Tanganyika to mutate into new species.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
But every new infection provides the virus with new opportunities to mutate.
—Emily Anthes, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
In contrast, influenza B can only infect humans and is less likely to mutate than the A-type counterparts.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutate
Verb
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The 20-course omakase will change seasonally and feature ingredients that Toshi forages locally.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
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Wade spoke passionately about his love for Marquette and how the school had changed his life.—
D. Watkins,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Go all in on a monochrome set, or embrace playfulness (and a collectors’ eye) with varying colors—each dishwasher-safe porcelain plate is sold separately.—
Erika Owen,
Vogue,
5 Apr. 2025
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Of course, many people experience hip pain without needing surgery—and many hip problems vary by age, gender and lifestyle choices.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The payment shifted to CPS in 2020 in an effort to financially detangle the district from the city.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
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But after Bonet departed the series following its first season, the focus shifted to characters played by Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Glynn Turman, Cory Tyler, Lou Myers, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, and Charnele Brown.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mutate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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