The phrase 'was paid' is commonly used in many different contexts, from discussing salaries and wages to describing payments made for products or services. However, there are several synonyms that can be used in place of 'was paid' to make your writing more interesting and varied. Some of these synonyms include 'received payment,' 'earned,' 'collected,' 'got paid,' 'remunerated,' 'compensated,' and 'recompensed.' Each of these words conveys a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the specific situation you are describing to add depth and variety to your writing.