Flaking is a term used to describe the process of small pieces of a substance separating or falling off from a larger surface. There are several synonyms for this word, including peeling, shedding, chipping, crumbling, splintering, and disintegrating. Each of these words describes a slightly different type of flaking, ranging from the gentle peeling of paint or old skin to the more rapid and violent splintering of wood or concrete. While the specific synonym used may vary depending on the context and the substance being described, all of these words capture the essential essence of flaking and its many potential variations.