The phrase "was there" can be substituted with various other phrases to add more clarity and depth to a sentence, or to avoid repetition. Some synonyms for "was there" include "existed", "appeared", "emerged", "materialized", "showed up", "arrived", "presented itself", "turned up", "manifested", and "made an appearance". These synonyms can be used in different contexts to convey different emotions or tones. For instance, "emerged" could be used to indicate a sudden appearance, while "materialized" could be used to suggest a mysterious or supernatural element. Choosing the right synonym can enhance the language and make the sentence more interesting to read.