When we talk about being impressed by someone or something, there are a variety of synonyms that can be used. Some of the words that can be used as possible alternatives include awed, amazed, astounded, bowled over, captivated, dazzled, enchanted, enthralled, fascinated, flabbergasted, hypnotized, mesmerized, overwhelmed, spellbound, stunned, and taken aback. All of these words denote a sense of being wowed or amazed by something that we have encountered. By using different synonyms for "were impressed," we can add variety to our writing, and help to convey more nuanced shades of meaning, depending on the context and requirements of our piece.