Synonyms for

Tanning

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

Definition

the process of making animal hides into leather by soaking them in a solution of tannic acid

Synonyms & similar words

flagellation tan whipping bronze flogging lashing leather-making tannage tawing curing dressing finishing processing preparation preservation canning soaking steeping imbuing impregnating permeating saturating filling imbibing absorbing engrossing

Synonyms by register

Formal

tannage currying dressing

Informal

getting a tan browning sunbathing

Literary

bronzing gilding

Antonyms

bleaching lightening paleness whitening unbronzed

Common collocations

  • sun tanning
  • tanning bed
  • tanning lotion
  • tanning salon
  • tanning process
  • tanning oil
  • tanning spray

Word family

noun tanning
verb tan
adjective tanned

Usage note

Tanning refers to the process of darkening the skin, either naturally through sun exposure or artificially. In leatherworking, it refers to the treatment of animal hides.

Example sentences

  1. The tanning process involves soaking animal hides in a solution of tannic acid.
  2. The tanning industry has been around for centuries.
  3. Tanning leather was an important skill for early humans.
  4. My dad likes to go tanning, but I prefer to stay pale.
  5. The tanning salon is closed today due to maintenance.

Quotes

  • "Tanning is a choreography between the tanner and the tannin." - Jasper Morrison
  • "He was tanned and sinewy from his years as a sailor." - Diana Gabaldon
  • "Tanning is a simple process, but it takes time to do it right." - Unknown

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