The antonyms for the phrase "were ever present" could include "absent," "missing," "scarce," "unavailable," or "hard to find." These words imply a lack or absence of something, as opposed to it being present at all times. "Invisible," "disappearing," and "fading away" are other options that indicate a gradual loss of presence or visibility over time. In contrast to "ever present," these antonyms suggest a state of impermanence or transience. Using antonyms can provide a rich contrast in language, helping to highlight the differences between two ideas or concepts.