The phrase "had way" means to have control or authority over a situation. There are several synonyms for this phrase that you can use to make your writing more varied and dynamic. One option is the phrase "held sway," which means to have dominant influence or control. Another possibility is "exerted power," which refers to the act of exercising authority over a situation. "Dictated terms" is another synonym for "had way," which implies that one party is setting the conditions for a particular outcome. Other possibilities include "commanded authority," "took charge," and "asserted dominance." By using these synonyms for "had way," you can convey a range of different meanings and tones in your writing.