The phrase "were killed" is commonly used to describe situations where people lose their lives. However, there are several synonyms that can be used to express the same meaning. These include "were slain," "lost their lives," "passed away," "perished," and "died." Each of these words conveys a slightly different emotional tone and context, and selecting the appropriate word depends on the intended message. For example, "were slain" may be used to describe a violent or brutal death, while "passed away" may be used to describe a calm and peaceful death. Using synonyms can help add variety and nuance to writing and avoid repetitive language.