There are several synonyms that can be used for the phrase "are descended." Some options include "come from," "originate from," "derive from," and "trace ancestry back to." These alternatives can be used to convey the same meaning as "are descended," which refers to a lineage or family line. For example, instead of saying "I am descended from royalty," one could say "I originate from a royal bloodline" or "My ancestry can be traced back to royalty." Using synonyms for a repetitive phrase can add variety to language and make writing more interesting.