General:
* Air
* Respiration
* Inhalation
* Exhalation
* Zephyr (a gentle breeze, often used poetically)
Specific:
* Puff (a short, quick breath)
* Gasping (a labored breath, often due to exertion or distress)
* Panting (rapid, shallow breaths, often due to exertion or excitement)
* Sigh (a deep, long breath, often expressing sadness or relief)
* Sniff (a short, sharp inhalation, often through the nose)
Figurative:
* Life (as in "the breath of life")
* Spirit (as in "the spirit of the mountains")
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the intended meaning.