There are numerous synonyms for the phrase "were sympathetic". For instance, one could replace it with "were understanding", which implies an ability to sympathize or empathize with someone's point of view or situation. Another synonym for this phrase is "were compassionate", indicating a strong sense of empathy and concern towards someone's experiences or feelings. Similarly, "were empathetic" can also be used, highlighting an individual's ability to understand and relate to someone else's emotions and perspectives. Other options include "were supportive", "were caring", "were kind-hearted" and "were considerate". Regardless of the word choice, all of these synonyms emphasize a sense of warmth, concern, and understanding.