"Were received" has several synonyms that can be used to describe the act of obtaining or getting something. Some of the most suitable synonyms for "were received" include acquired, obtained, gained, secured, collected, achieved, amassed, and garnered. These synonyms connote that something has been acquired or gained, and they imply a sense of accomplishment or effort. For instance, instead of saying, "the emails were received," you could say, "the emails were acquired." The change in wording makes the sentence more vibrant and purposeful. Therefore, it is essential to know the synonyms for "were received," so you can add more depth and clarity to your writing.