There are many possible synonyms for the phrase "paid dividends," which generally refers to a situation where an investment or action is shown to be valuable or beneficial over time. Some possible synonyms might include "yielded fruit," "produced results," "had a positive impact," "proved advantageous," "generated profit," "paid off," "bore fruit," or "resulted in gains." Depending on the specific context and the nuances of the situation, different synonyms might be more or less appropriate. Ultimately, the key idea behind the phrase "paid dividends" is one of long-term value and return on investment, which can be expressed in a variety of different ways.