The phrase "were equal to" indicates that two things or people are on the same level, or have the same value or importance. There are various synonyms for this phrase that can be used to convey similar meaning. Some common alternatives for "were equal to" include 'matched', 'corresponded to', 'equated to', 'paralleled', 'comparable to' and 'on a par with'. These phrases can be used interchangeably in different contexts to describe the same idea, and can add variety and depth to your writing or speech. By incorporating creative synonyms for "were equal to", you can add a touch of sophistication and nuance to your communication.