Pressed charges is a commonly used term in law enforcement that refers to a person formally accusing another of a crime. However, there are several synonyms that can be used in place of this term. One such synonym is "filed a complaint," which is often used in civil cases. Another is "lodged an accusation," which implies a more formal process of accusation. "Initiated legal proceedings" is another synonym that suggests a formal legal process has been started. "Brought charges" or "levied charges" are also commonly used, while "sued" or "prosecuted" refer to specific legal actions. Ultimately, the choice of synonym will depend on the context and the severity of the charges.