NYT Dictionary

MUTATE

/ˈmju.teɪt/
VerbMU-tatemu-tate · 2 syllablesGrade 4

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023, 2025

Meaning

To undergo mutation.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

First attested in 1796; back-formation from mutation on the basis of -ate (verb-forming suffix), ultimately from Latin mūtō (“to exchange; to change, to vary”). Doublet of moult.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

accommodateadaptadjustalteramelioratebetterchangecheckerchopconvert

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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