The phrase "were seized" implies that something has been taken or captured forcibly or unlawfully. The antonyms, or words with opposite meanings, to "seized" could include: released, liberated, freed, surrendered, relinquished, yielded, abandoned, given up, returned, or restored. These words suggest a voluntary action, where something is given up, dropped, or let go. They convey a sense of relief, peace, or resolution, rather than the tense, confrontational energy that "seized" carries. Understanding antonyms can help to expand our vocabulary and express ourselves more accurately and effectively.