The phrase "was impressed" can be substituted with a variety of synonyms to make your writing more diverse and engaging. Some alternatives include "was amazed," "was awed," "was dazzled," "was astonished," "was struck," "was captivated," "was enchanted," "was enraptured," "was spellbound," "was taken aback," "was moved," "was touched," and "was affected." Each of these phrases conveys a slightly different tone and emphasizes a different aspect of the experience of being impressed. Try experimenting with different synonyms to enhance the impact of your writing and convey your message more effectively.