There are many synonyms for the phrase "were mad." Some of the more common synonyms include "were angry," "were upset," and "were furious." These words convey a range of emotions, from mild annoyance to intense rage. Other synonyms for "were mad" include "were irate," "were annoyed," and "were incensed." Depending on the context in which the phrase is used, some synonyms may be more appropriate than others. For example, if someone is merely irritated, "were annoyed" might be a better choice, while if someone is truly enraged, "were incensed" might be more accurate. Overall, the use of synonyms helps to add texture and nuance to language.