When it comes to finding synonyms for the term "were liable", several potential options come to mind. For example, one could consider using the phrase "were responsible" in place of "were liable" to convey a similar meaning. Another possible synonym might be "were accountable", which carries a similar idea of being answerable for something. Additionally, one could use the word "culpable" to suggest that someone is deserving of blame or punishment for something they did or did not do. Other options might include phrases like "were at fault" or "were to blame", which convey a similar sense of responsibility. Ultimately, the choice of synonym will depend on the context and purpose of the writing in question.