Meaning & use
mutate
Last updated
To change or cause to change in form, nature, or structure, especially through a genetic alteration.
See it in a sentence
The virus mutated rapidly, making it harder for vaccines to keep pace.
Over the decades, the company's mission slowly mutated from public service to pure profit.
A note on using this word
Most closely associated with biology and genetics, though it is widely used figuratively for any gradual, often unpredictable, change.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “mutate”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.