Antonyms for the phrase "were associated with" could include "had no connection to," "were dissociated from," or "were not linked to." Other options could be "were disengaged from," "were detached from," or "were unrelated to." These antonyms convey the opposite meaning of the original phrase, which implies a connection or relationship between two things. It's important to note, however, that the choice of antonym will depend on the context in which it is used, and different phrases may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. By using antonyms, speakers and writers can offer a contrasting perspective and highlight the absence of a connection between two objects or entities.