What is another word for "drying"?

Another word for drying depends on whether you are using it as a noun or verb and in what context. As a noun describing the process of removing moisture, common synonyms include dehydration, desiccation, evaporation, dehumidification, curing, and preservation. In food science, drying is often called dehydration or curing, as in sun-dried tomatoes being dehydrated. In industrial contexts, it may be called moisture removal, water removal, or thermal drying. As a verb form meaning to make dry, synonyms include dehydrating, desiccating, evaporating, parching, withering, dehumidifying, and draining. In laundry context, another word for drying clothes is airing, as in airing clothes outside, or tumble drying. In painting and construction, drying can be called curing, hardening, or setting, as paint dries or cures. In medical contexts, wound drying might be called desiccation. For natural processes, drying up of a river is called receding, shrinking, or disappearing. In a more casual sense, drying off after a shower is called toweling off. If you are looking for a single common replacement, dehydration is the most scientific equivalent, while desiccation is more technical and often used for extreme or intentional removal of water. Evaporation emphasizes the change from liquid to vapor and is the physical mechanism behind most drying processes.