cataclysmal
Violently world-changing
Cataclysmal means of or relating to a cataclysm—a violent upheaval or disaster.
It's a less common variant of cataclysmic, carrying the same sense of sudden, devastating change: The asteroid impact had cataclysmal effects on the ecosystem.
Both forms describe floods, earthquakes, social collapse, or any event that dramatically transforms what came before.
Extremely violent or aggressive
- devastatingCausing severe damage
- turbulentViolently agitated or disturbed
- convulsiveInvolving involuntary muscle contractions
- explosiveProne to sudden detonation
seismic · volcanic · torrential · tempestuous · catastrophic · earthshaking · thunderous · eruptive
Severe widespread destruction
- destructionAct of completely ruining
- ruinationState of complete destruction
- obliterationTotal destruction or erasure
- annihilationUtter, complete destruction
demolition · wreckage · desolation · decimation · collapse · disintegration · havoc · carnage
Prophesied concluding era
- doomsdayProphesied world's end
- extinctionComplete vanishing of a species
- annihilationUtter, complete destruction
- raptureOverwhelming ecstatic feeling
tribulation · revelation · prophecy · eschatology · judgment · millenarianism · omega · finality
Sharp and unexpected
- instantaneousHappening without any delay
- swiftMoving with speed
- precipitousExtremely steep, almost vertical
- flashBrief burst of light
unexpected · unforeseen · jolting · startling · unanticipated · shock · overnight · explosive
Violent disturbance of order
- revolutionViolent governmental overthrow
- overhaulComplete systematic repair
- watershedDrainage area boundary
- epoch-makingStarting a new age
rebirth · metamorphosis · reformation · sea-change · realignment · restructuring · game-changing · pivotal
ferocious
Extremely violent or aggressive
- devastatingCausing severe damage
- turbulentViolently agitated or disturbed
- convulsiveInvolving involuntary muscle contractions
explosive · seismic · volcanic · torrential · tempestuous · catastrophic · earthshaking · thunderous · eruptive · paroxysmal
devastation
Severe widespread destruction
- destructionAct of completely ruining
- ruinationState of complete destruction
- obliterationTotal destruction or erasure
annihilation · demolition · wreckage · desolation · decimation · collapse · disintegration · havoc · carnage · ruin
end-times
Prophesied concluding era
- doomsdayProphesied world's end
- extinctionComplete vanishing of a species
- annihilationUtter, complete destruction
rapture · tribulation · revelation · prophecy · eschatology · judgment · millenarianism · omega · finality · apocalypse
abrupt
Sharp and unexpected
- instantaneousHappening without any delay
- swiftMoving with speed
- precipitousExtremely steep, almost vertical
flash · unexpected · unforeseen · jolting · startling · unanticipated · shock · overnight · explosive · convulsive
upheaval
Violent disturbance of order
- revolutionViolent governmental overthrow
- overhaulComplete systematic repair
- watershedDrainage area boundary
epoch-making · rebirth · metamorphosis · reformation · sea-change · realignment · restructuring · game-changing · pivotal
cataclysmalconstructive
Promoting positive development
creative · restorative · beneficial · regenerative · wholesome
cataclysmalfortunate
Enjoying favorable circumstances
fortuitous · auspicious · blessed · providential · propitious
- cataclysmic eventsDisasters causing massive sudden change