The phrase "were afraid" is commonly used to express a feeling of fear or anxiety. However, there are several synonyms that can be used in its place to convey a similar meaning. For example, "terrified", "frightened", "alarmed", "panicked", "nervous" and "apprehensive" are all excellent synonyms that can be used interchangeably with "were afraid". Depending on the context, some synonyms may be more appropriate than others. For instance, "terrified" may be the right word to use when describing an extreme fear, while "nervous" might be a better choice to describe a more moderate or hesitant emotion. Regardless of the synonym chosen, it's important to use precise language to accurately convey one's feelings.