The phrase "were high spirits" refers to a state of cheerfulness, liveliness or exuberance. Its antonyms can be words or phrases that depict the opposite state of mind or feeling such as despair, despondency, depression, gloom, sullenness, sadness, lethargy, apathy or melancholy. These antonyms suggest a lack of enthusiasm or energy which contrasts with the buoyant and lively mood that "were high spirits" implies. Expressions like "were low spirits," "were down in the dumps," or "were feeling blue," convey the opposite of "were high spirits" and refer to a negative state of mind or feeling.