Synonyms for

Shedding

Verb / ˈʃedɪŋ / Another word for shedding — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the process of losing hair, fur, skin, or leaves

Synonyms & similar words

disgorge sloughing shed throwaway desquamation throwoff molt exuviate moult spill shakeoff drop slough castoff pourforth peeling cast throw molting defoliation sloughing exfoliation losing dropping casting shed moulting desquamation epilation eversion abscission autotomy apotheosis emersion exuviation

Synonyms by register

Formal

desquamation exfoliation molting

Informal

losing fur dropping hair peeling

Literary

casting off disrobing unburdening

Antonyms

keeping retaining holding preserving maintaining growing

Common collocations

  • shedding skin
  • shedding tears
  • shedding weight
  • shedding light
  • shedding leaves
  • shedding old habits
  • shedding blood

Word family

noun shedding
verb shed

Usage note

Primarily used to describe the natural process of animals losing hair or skin, or plants losing leaves. Can also be used metaphorically for discarding things.

Example sentences

  1. The cat is shedding its fur all over my clothes.
  2. The trees are shedding their leaves in the fall.
  3. Snakes shed their skin as they grow.
  4. My skin is shedding because I got a sunburn.
  5. The bird is shedding feathers during its molt.

Quotes

  • I'm shedding my skin like a snake.
  • The shedding of leaves is a natural process in the life of a tree.
  • Shedding tears can be a sign of deep emotions.

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