If you are looking for alternative ways to express the phrase "were similar to," there are plenty of synonyms at your disposal. Some effective options to consider include "resembled," "corresponded with," "shared features with," "mirrored," "matched," "paralleled," "bore a resemblance to," and "conformed to." Each of these options can convey the concept of similarity or likeness in a slightly different way, so it's important to choose the one that best fits the context and tone of your writing. By exploring different synonyms for "were similar to," you can add variety and depth to your language while conveying your intended meaning with clarity and precision.