When it comes to conveying a message that something has been given out or handed over, "were distributed" is just one of the many phrases you could use. Depending on the context and your tone, you could opt for synonyms to make your statement more interesting and engaging. For instance, you could say "were dispersed" or "were doled out" to add a touch of personality to your message. Alternatively, you could say "were disseminated" or "were allocated" to convey a more formal and dignified tone. Whatever synonym you use, make sure it aligns with your message and resonates with your readers.