The phrase "were close to" is commonly used to express nearness or proximity to something or someone. However, there are several synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning, such as "nearly," "approaching," "bordering on," "adjacent to," "proximate to," "within striking distance of," and "a stone's throw away from." All of these phrases accurately describe a situation where something or someone is in close proximity. Using these synonyms can bring variety to your writing and help you avoid repeating the same phrase over and over again. Pick a synonym that best fits the context and tone of your writing and make your words come alive.