The phrase "were anxious" can be replaced with several synonyms to convey different levels or types of anxiousness. "Were worried" suggests a general unease or uncertainty about something, whereas "were concerned" implies a more specific source of anxiety. "Were apprehensive" conveys a sense of fear or dread about an upcoming event or situation, while "were nervous" suggests a more mild form of anxiety. "Were tense" indicates a physical manifestation of anxiousness, such as muscle tension or heightened alertness. Finally, "were agitated" connotes a sense of restlessness or agitation, often accompanied by emotional distress.