The phrase "was taken" can be replaced with numerous synonyms depending on the context. Some of the most commonly used alternatives include "was seized", "was captured", "was apprehended", "was detained", "was nabbed", and "was abducted". Other options might include "was ensnared", "was removed", or "was whisked away". The word choice will often depend on the tone of the sentence and the connotation of the substitute word. For example, "was captured" might be more appropriate for a war context than "was detained", while "was whisked away" might be more suitable for describing a romantic getaway than "was apprehended".