There are numerous synonyms that can be used instead of the common phrase "made a fortune". You might say someone "struck it rich", meaning they suddenly and unexpectedly became wealthy. Another common way to express this idea is to say they "made a killing", implying that they were able to make a huge sum of money in a short amount of time. "Hit the jackpot" is another phrase that suggests a lucky or successful outcome. Other options include "raked in the dough", "made bank", and "scored big". Overall, there are many different ways to express the idea of becoming wealthy or successful, each with its own unique connotations and nuances.