The phrase "was an adjunct" can be replaced with several synonyms, depending on the context. Some of these alternatives include "was an accessory," "served as a supplement," or "acted as a subsidiary." Other possibilities could include "functioned as an addition," "played a secondary role," or "was a minor component." In each case, the synonym emphasizes the secondary or supportive nature of the original phrase, suggesting that the thing being described was not the primary focus or driving force of a situation, but rather an ancillary element that played a lesser role.