When you are trying to describe a location or event, you often want to convey the idea that something was happening nearby. There are many different words you can use to express this concept, depending on the context and tone of your writing. Some possible synonyms for "were nearby" include "were in close proximity," "were adjacent," "were within earshot," "were around the corner," "were within reach," "were in the vicinity," "were neighboring," "were at hand," "were on the doorstep," and "were within sight." Each of these phrases carries a slightly different connotation, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your intended meaning.