What is a synonym for breathing?

Here are some synonyms for breathing, depending on the context:

General:

* Respiration

* Inhalation

* Exhalation

* Ventilation

* Aeration

More specific:

* Inhaling

* Exhaling

* Drawing breath

* Taking a breath

* Gasping (for labored breathing)

* Panting (for rapid, shallow breathing)

* Huffing (for labored, noisy breathing)

Figurative:

* Living

* Existing

* Sustaining life

The best synonym for "breathing" will depend on the specific context and meaning you want to convey.