mutable

[myoo-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. liable or subject to change or alteration.

   Synonyms: variable, changeable

2. given to changing; constantly changing; fickle or inconstant.

   the mutable ways of fortune.

   Synonyms: unsteady, unsettled, vacillating, unstable
   Antonyms: stable

3. Computers.,  (in object-oriented programming) of or noting an object having properties whose values can change while the object itself maintains a unique identity.

mutable

/ ˈmjuːtəbəl /

adjective

1. able to or tending to change

2. astrology of or relating to four of the signs of the zodiac, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, which are associated with the quality of adaptability Compare cardinal fixed

Other Word Forms

• mutably adverb
• mutability noun
• mutableness noun
• hypermutable adjective
• hypermutably adverb
• nonmutable adjective
• nonmutably adverb
• unmutable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mutable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin mūtābilis, equivalent to mūtā(re) “to change” + -bilis -ble

Word History and Origins

Origin of mutable¹

C14: from Latin mūtābilis fickle, from mūtāre to change

Example Sentences

The staging is a practical arrangement, but it is also a presentation meant to convey gravitas and to ensure everyone can keep an eye on their mutable front man.

From Salon

Still, “It showed that those sites are mutable in these viruses,” says Tom Peacock, an influenza virologist at the Pirbright Institute.

From Science Magazine

In the course of his restless, mutable career, Gordon, 72, has written all kinds of music, from classical pieces for solo piano or chamber orchestra to dance scores and experimental operas.

From New York Times

But when you take a step backwards and you look at the gameplay, a station wagon is mutable.

From Seattle Times

Godzilla belongs to Japan in the same way that, say, the Doctor of “Doctor Who” will always be British, even though that character is from a different planet and mutable in every other respect.

From Los Angeles Times