There are several synonyms for the phrase "were in pain". These include miserableness, agony, suffering, aching, discomfort, and distress. Miserableness refers to a state of unhappiness or suffering, while agony implies intense physical or emotional pain. Suffering denotes a state of distress or pain caused by an injury or illness. Aching and discomfort both suggest mild to moderate discomfort, while distress provides a more general term for any form of emotional or physical discomfort. Regardless of the specific synonym employed, the common thread is that the individual is experiencing some form of physical or emotional pain that requires attention and relief.