MUTATES Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

mutates

verb

present tense third-person singular of mutate

as in changes

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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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 mutates Although flu seasons can vary in disease severity, the virus mutates so unpredictably that pandemic flu seasons – like those in 1918, 1957, 1968 and 2009 – are a recurring possibility. — Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 Measles mutates slowly enough that researchers can in many cases search for essentially the same strain when tracking its movements. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026 This dynamic drives a phenomenon called antigenic shift meaning that the vaccine paradoxically encourages new mutations and can actually prolong pandemics as the virus constantly mutates to escape the protective effects of the vaccine. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutates

Verb

Sunlight fundamentally changes the chromophores’ ability to express color.

— Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
The company has spent years preparing for this step, but removing the safety observer changes the equation.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of changes

Verb

Duration varies substantially across the area because Ta’if lies toward the edge of the eclipse path, so eclipse chasers will need to choose their precise observing location carefully.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2026
The types of critters crossing paths with humans varies based on location.

— Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of varies

Verb

Today, these pre-1965 coins are sought after not for their use as currency, but for their silver content, giving them a value that fluctuates with the broader precious metals market.

— Nick Perry, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
The number fluctuates because it is closely tied to the performance of the stock market.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of fluctuates

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mutated

mutates

mutating

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“Mutates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutates. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mutates

verb

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