The phrase "am descended" can be paraphrased using a range of synonyms depending on the context. Some of the possible phrases that can be used as substitutes for "am descended" include "hail from," "originate from," "trace back to," "inherit from," "stem from," "derive from," and "come from." These synonyms can be used to describe the lineage or ancestry of a person or a family. For example, "I hail from a long line of musicians" can be used instead of "I am descended from a family of musicians." The choice of the synonym depends on the nuance and tone of the sentence, and whether the writer wants to emphasize the historical or familial connection.