Answer:
1. Council members deplored the outbreak of violence in areas close to schools.
2. Several of the old buildings still retained the ornate ceilings and banisters that were typical of the eighteenth century.
3. During economic hardships, most people find prodigal spenders offensive.
Explanation:
The corresponding and appropriate vocabulary for the bolded words in the given sentences are changed as follows-
1. In replacing "grumbled about" with "deplored", they imply the same attitude but with much more strong opposition. While mere grumbling may suggest complaints and disinterest, 'deplored' gives a sense of strongly disapproving of the plan.
2. The word "stylish" can be replaced by "ornate" as they both imply the same decorative sense of the ceiling. But at the same time, "ornate" gives the sense of a more beautiful, better-decorated piece than the simple word "stylish".
3. The word "big" in describing the spenders is plain and can just describe any shopper who spends a lot. But the use of "prodigal" in describing the spenders gives the sense of unnecessary spending. This word gives more voice to the disapproving tone about such spenders.