"Stopped by" is a common phrase used to indicate a brief visit or a drop-in. However, there are several synonyms for this phrase that can help to add variety and emphasize the action within a sentence. Some of these synonyms include "popped in," "called in," "visited briefly," "swung by," "dropped by," "stopped in," "stopped off," "stopped over," and "made a brief stop." Each of these synonyms can convey a slightly different meaning, depending on the context in which they are used. For example, "popped in" may imply a more casual or spontaneous visit, while "made a brief stop" might suggest a more purposeful visit with a specific intention.