The phrase "was related" can be substituted with various synonyms to convey a similar meaning. Some of these synonyms include connected, associated, linked, affiliated, correlated, and interrelated. These terms imply a certain degree of relationship or connection between two or more things. For instance, "connected" suggests that two things or people are linked or joined in some way, while "affiliated" implies a formal or official connection. Similarly, "correlated" suggests a statistical connection between two variables, while "interrelated" implies a more complex and intertwined relationship. By using synonyms for "was related," writers can add variety and nuance to their language and express ideas and connections more accurately.