AIW, or "as it were", is a commonly used phrase in written and spoken communication, especially in academic and literary contexts. However, there are several other synonyms that can be used in place of AIW to convey similar meaning and tone. These synonyms include terms such as "so to speak", "in a way", "as if", "in a sense", "in some respects", "almost", and "to some extent". Each of these phrases can help to clarify a point or convey a certain mood or subtext in a sentence. It is important to note that the choice of synonym depends on the context in which it is used and the writer's personal style and voice.