Syneresis is a process where a gel-like substance expels liquid, leading to shrinkage and formation of cracks. Although there are no exact synonyms for the word syneresis, some words can be used to describe a similar process. For instance, desiccation means drying out or removing moisture from a substance, leading to shrinkage and cracking. Contraction is a word that describes a shrinking process. Coalescence refers to the formation of a single mass or substance by the merging of smaller ones, which could lead to the expulsion of liquid. Finally, consolidation is a process where a substance becomes denser and compact, which could also lead to shrinkage and cracking.