It's essential to have a diverse vocabulary when writing for any profession. Finding synonyms for the term "were important" can definitely make a difference in the quality and readability of your writing. Some alternatives for "were important" include: played a crucial role, were significant, were imperative, were essential, were necessary, were influential, had a major impact, were vital, were fundamental, were instrumental, were integral, were critical, and were relevant. Using these synonyms can help add variety and precision to your writing, making your work more engaging and informative.