The phrase "in shards" refers to something that has been broken or shattered into small pieces. If you are struggling to find the right word to convey this meaning, there are several synonyms that you can consider using. These include phrases like "in fragments," "in pieces," "in splinters," and "in ruins." Additionally, you might opt for more descriptive adjectives to help paint a picture of the shattered state, such as "crushed," "smashed," "dismantled," or "demolished." Whatever word you choose, it should help to communicate the sense of brokenness and destruction that accompanies something that has been transformed into shards.