The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MOISTER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
O
I
S
T
E
R
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "less dry" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case less dry = moister.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MOISTER mean?
MOISTER adjective- Slightly wet; characterised by the presence of moisture, not dry; damp.
- Of eyes: tearful, wet with tears.
- Of weather, climate etc.: rainy, damp.
- Pertaining to one of the four essential qualities formerly believed to be present in all things, characterised by wetness.
- Watery, liquid, fluid.
- Characterised by the presence of pus, mucus etc.
- Sexually lubricated (of the vagina); sexually aroused, turned on (of a woman).