General synonyms:
* Engraving: This is the most common synonym, particularly for the art form.
* Carving: This emphasizes the act of cutting into a surface.
* Incising: This is a more formal synonym for carving or etching.
* Imprinting: This emphasizes the creation of a lasting mark.
* Marking: A general term for leaving a visible trace.
* Scratches: This is a more casual term for shallow marks.
* Lines: This focuses on the lines created by the etching process.
* Relief: This describes the raised areas of an etching.
* Impression: This refers to the print made from an etching plate.
Synonyms for specific contexts:
* Corrosion: This is used when referring to the chemical process of etching metals.
* Printing: This refers to the process of making prints from an etching plate.
* Decorating: This emphasizes the aesthetic aspect of etching.
* Inscribing: This refers to etching words or designs onto a surface.
The best synonym depends on the specific meaning you want to convey. For example, if you're talking about the artistic process of etching, "engraving" is a good choice. If you're talking about the chemical process of etching metal, "corrosion" would be more appropriate.