The phrase "were the opinion" implies a widely held belief or viewpoint. There are numerous synonyms that can be used to express this concept including: consensus, general consensus, prevailing belief, common perception, collective viewpoint, popular opinion, widely held view, universal conviction, and shared perspective. These words convey the sense that a majority of people agree with a particular idea or stance. It is important to note that while a consensus may exist, it does not necessarily mean that the consensus is correct or accurate. Therefore, it is always important to critically evaluate opinions and viewpoints, regardless of how widely held they may be.