"Gave the appearance" is a phrase commonly used to describe someone or something that looks a certain way but may not necessarily be that way. There are several synonyms that can be used in place of this phrase, including "seemed," "appeared," "looked like," "presented as," "came across as," and "gave off the impression." These alternatives can be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing a person's demeanor or the appearance of a place or situation. By using a variety of synonyms, writers can add variety and nuance to their language and better convey the intended meaning.