The phrase "was something" is often used to describe a feeling of uncertainty or vagueness, such as "there was something strange about the situation." If you're looking for synonyms that convey a similar sentiment, consider using phrases like "seemed like," "had an air of," or "had a hint of." Other options include "had a touch of," "carried a sense of," or "carried an aura of." These phrases can all be used to describe a feeling of ambiguity or incompleteness, without necessarily specifying exactly what that feeling is. So if you're struggling to put your finger on something, try incorporating one of these phrases into your description!