The phrase "was established" refers to the act of setting up or founding something. There are a variety of synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning such as "was founded," "was instituted," "was initiated," "was formed," "was created," "was installed," "was organized," "was set up," "was introduced," "was implemented," and "was established." All of these synonyms can be applied to describe the establishment of organizations, institutions, businesses, and even relationships. The choice relies on the context and tone of the writing related to the creation of the entity. Overall, these alternatives enrich the writing and allow for a more impactful and varied vocabulary.