Everyone gets the secret word except one player. No sign-up, no age gate and no ads over the reveal screen.
The imposter game is a word-bluffing party game. Everyone gets the same secret word except one player, the imposter, who only knows the category. Players take turns giving one-word clues, then vote on who they think is faking it. This version runs on one phone, keeps names between rounds and has more than 1,100 clean words to choose from.
How to play
You need one phone and three or more people sitting where they can see each other.
- Set up. Type in everyone's name, pick the categories you want and press Start. The phone keeps the names, so the next round takes one tap.
- Pass the phone. The phone shows a name, such as "Pass to Sam." Sam takes it, makes sure nobody else can see, and taps to reveal. Most players see the secret word, for example Lighthouse. The imposter sees only the category, Places, and a note that they are the imposter. Sam taps to hide the screen and passes it on. Nobody else ever sees the word on screen.
- Give clues. Go around the circle. Each player says one word that is linked to the secret word. For Lighthouse you might hear "light", "rocks" or "ships". Clues should prove you know the word without making it too easy for the imposter.
- Talk it over. Start the timer. You have three minutes to question each other. Who gave a clue that was too vague? Who waited to hear other clues first?
- Vote. When the timer ends, everyone points at the player they suspect on the count of three. The player with the most votes is revealed.
- Last chance. If the group caught the imposter, the imposter can still try to guess the secret word. A correct guess steals the win.
The hide step after each reveal means the next player never sees the last player's screen.
Rules and variations
The basic rules fit in one sentence: everyone knows the word except one person, and the group has to find them before time runs out. Once your group knows the game, try one of these:
- Two imposters. With eight or more players, play with a second imposter. They do not know who the other one is, which can make them accuse each other.
- Two rounds of clues. Go around the circle twice before you talk. The second round of clues is where most imposters slip.
- No category for the imposter. For experienced players, the imposter gets no hint at all and has to work out the topic from the first few clues.
- Points game. Play five rounds. Players who vote for the real imposter get one point. An imposter who survives the vote gets two points, and three if they also name the word.
- Silent clues. Instead of saying a word, each player acts out a clue with one gesture. It is great for younger kids who are still reading.
Tips for a good game
Pick the right categories. Kids, Animals, Food and School are the easiest. Holidays, Movies and TV genres, and Hobbies are harder because the words are less concrete. For a mixed group, choose two easy categories and one hard one. Christmas and Thanksgiving packs work well at family gatherings.
Teach the clue balance. New players often give a clue that is too obvious ("milk" for Cow) or too strange to defend. A good clue is something the imposter would not guess right away but that the others will understand.
Help shy players. Let quiet players go later in the clue round so they can hear a few examples first. Never put someone on the spot for a long time during the discussion. The timer keeps the talking moving.
Hosting a big group. With ten or more people, sit in a circle and keep the phone moving clockwise. The pass screen means you do not need a separate game host, so everyone can play.
Kids and adults together. Younger kids may struggle to keep a straight face as the imposter. That is part of the fun. Keep rounds short and switch to the Kids category if the words feel too hard.
Mix it up. The phone does not repeat a word until you have used every word in the categories you picked. When the list runs out it reshuffles and tells you.
How to play without a phone
You can play the imposter game with paper. Cut small slips, one per player. Pick a word from the list below the game and write it on every slip except one. On that slip, write "Imposter" and the category. Fold the slips, mix them in a bowl, and let each player take one and read it in secret.
Then play the same way: one clue each, a few minutes of talking and a vote. Use a kitchen timer or just agree on three minutes. One person can collect and check the slips at the end to confirm who was the imposter.
The paper version also works well in a classroom. A teacher can prepare the slips before the lesson and use the School or Nature words to practice vocabulary.
All 1116 words
Food
- Pizza
- Burger
- Hot dog
- Taco
- Burrito
- Sushi
- Spaghetti
- Lasagna
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- French toast
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Bagel
- Croissant
- Donut
- Muffin
- Cupcake
- Cookie
- Brownie
- Ice cream
- Popcorn
- Pretzel
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Chicken nuggets
- Fried chicken
- Grilled cheese
- Sandwich
- Soup
- Salad
- Steak
- Meatballs
- Mac and cheese
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Ramen
- Dumplings
- Omelet
- Scrambled eggs
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Toast
- Peanut butter
- Jam
- Honey
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Milkshake
- Smoothie
- Lemonade
- Orange juice
- Apple
- Banana
- Strawberry
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Grapes
- Orange
- Mango
- Cherry
- Lemon
- Avocado
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Onion
- Mushroom
- Pickle
- Nachos
- Quesadilla
- Hummus
- Falafel
- Kebab
- Curry
- Cheesecake
- Chocolate bar
- Lollipop
- Gummy bears
- Marshmallow
- Jelly beans
- Pudding
- Pasta salad
- Chicken soup
- Fish sticks
- Corn dog
- Garlic bread
- Peach
- Blueberry
- Coconut
Animals
- Dog
- Cat
- Horse
- Cow
- Pig
- Sheep
- Goat
- Chicken
- Duck
- Rabbit
- Hamster
- Goldfish
- Parrot
- Lion
- Tiger
- Elephant
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Monkey
- Gorilla
- Bear
- Panda
- Koala
- Kangaroo
- Wolf
- Fox
- Deer
- Moose
- Squirrel
- Raccoon
- Owl
- Eagle
- Penguin
- Flamingo
- Peacock
- Swan
- Dolphin
- Whale
- Shark
- Octopus
- Jellyfish
- Crab
- Lobster
- Turtle
- Frog
- Snake
- Lizard
- Crocodile
- Hippo
- Rhino
- Camel
- Polar bear
- Seal
- Bat
- Butterfly
- Bee
- Ant
- Ladybug
- Spider
- Snail
- Hedgehog
- Mouse
- Sloth
- Cheetah
- Leopard
- Ostrich
- Starfish
- Seahorse
- Llama
- Donkey
- Guinea pig
- Chameleon
- Beaver
- Skunk
- Otter
Places
- Beach
- Airport
- Hospital
- Library
- Museum
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- Park
- Playground
- Supermarket
- Shopping mall
- Restaurant
- Cafe
- Bakery
- Movie theater
- Bowling alley
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Hotel
- Train station
- Bus stop
- Gas station
- Post office
- Bank
- Fire station
- Police station
- Farm
- Castle
- Lighthouse
- Space station
- Theme park
- Water park
- Campsite
- Ski resort
- Stadium
- Concert hall
- Art gallery
- Bookstore
- Toy store
- Pet shop
- Barbershop
- Dentist's office
- Laundromat
- Car wash
- Parking lot
- Bridge
- Skyscraper
- Ice rink
- Circus
- Farmers market
- Food court
- Harbor
- Arcade
- Planetarium
- Botanical garden
- Ice cream shop
- Hair salon
- Pharmacy
- Hardware store
- Flower shop
- Pyramid
- Waiting room
- Elevator
- Escalator
- Roller coaster
- Science museum
- Car dealership
Jobs
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Teacher
- Firefighter
- Police officer
- Chef
- Baker
- Farmer
- Pilot
- Astronaut
- Dentist
- Vet
- Mail carrier
- Bus driver
- Taxi driver
- Truck driver
- Mechanic
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Carpenter
- Builder
- Painter
- Artist
- Musician
- Singer
- Dancer
- Actor
- Photographer
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Lifeguard
- Zookeeper
- Gardener
- Florist
- Hairdresser
- Barber
- Waiter
- Cashier
- Lawyer
- Judge
- Scientist
- Engineer
- Architect
- Programmer
- Pharmacist
- Coach
- Referee
- Magician
- Clown
- Tailor
- Fisherman
- Beekeeper
- Park ranger
- Tour guide
- Flight attendant
- Ship captain
- Delivery driver
- Janitor
- Principal
- Babysitter
- Dog walker
- News anchor
- Weather forecaster
- Author
- Cartoonist
- DJ
- Paramedic
- Video game designer
- Window cleaner
Sports
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Football
- Tennis
- Golf
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Ice hockey
- Field hockey
- Cricket
- Rugby
- Badminton
- Table tennis
- Bowling
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Surfing
- Skateboarding
- Gymnastics
- Figure skating
- Ice skating
- Cycling
- Running
- Marathon
- Track and field
- High jump
- Long jump
- Pole vault
- Hurdles
- Relay race
- Rowing
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Diving
- Water polo
- Karate
- Yoga
- Rock climbing
- Horse riding
- Lacrosse
- Softball
- Dodgeball
- Kickball
- Ultimate frisbee
- Handball
- Pickleball
- Curling
- Bobsled
- Triathlon
- Cheerleading
- Mini golf
- Roller skating
- Weightlifting
- Wakeboarding
- Basketball hoop
- Tennis racket
- Hockey stick
- Golf club
- Soccer ball
- Trophy
- Gold medal
- Scoreboard
- Whistle
- Finish line
- Penalty kick
Things at home
- Sofa
- Bed
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Lamp
- Television
- Remote control
- Fridge
- Oven
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Kettle
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Vacuum cleaner
- Broom
- Mop
- Bucket
- Sink
- Bathtub
- Shower
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Towel
- Mirror
- Hairbrush
- Hair dryer
- Alarm clock
- Wall clock
- Bookshelf
- Rug
- Curtains
- Window
- Door
- Doorbell
- Mailbox
- Stairs
- Closet
- Coat hanger
- Laundry basket
- Trash can
- Recycling bin
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Plate
- Bowl
- Mug
- Fork
- Spoon
- Chopsticks
- Teapot
- Coffee maker
- Blender
- Ceiling fan
- Air conditioner
- Light switch
- Phone charger
- Smoke alarm
- Houseplant
- Picture frame
- Doormat
- House key
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Junk drawer
- Fridge magnet
- Ice cube tray
- Garage
- Attic
- Basement
- Backyard
- Bunk bed
School
- Backpack
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Ruler
- Notebook
- Textbook
- Homework
- Classroom
- Whiteboard
- Chalkboard
- Marker
- Highlighter
- Crayons
- Glue stick
- Calculator
- Globe
- Desk
- Locker
- Hallway
- Cafeteria
- Lunchbox
- Gym class
- Recess
- Field trip
- Science fair
- Spelling bee
- Report card
- Pop quiz
- Final exam
- Gold star
- Hall pass
- School bell
- Pencil case
- Pencil sharpener
- Protractor
- Microscope
- Fire drill
- Yearbook
- Graduation
- Diploma
- Summer vacation
- First day of school
- Show and tell
- Art class
- Music class
- Math class
- History class
- Flash cards
- Lunch tray
- Permission slip
- Substitute teacher
- Bulletin board
- Class pet
- Seating chart
- Book report
- Group project
- School play
- Name tag
- Student council
- Times tables
- Snow day
- School nurse
Holidays & celebrations
- Birthday cake
- Birthday party
- Balloon
- Party hat
- Confetti
- Fireworks
- New Year's Eve
- Countdown
- Easter egg
- Easter bunny
- Egg hunt
- Halloween costume
- Jack-o'-lantern
- Trick-or-treat
- Haunted house
- Candy corn
- Mother's Day
- Father's Day
- Baby shower
- Piñata
- Surprise party
- Party favor
- Streamers
- Banner
- Birthday candles
- Birthday wish
- Gift card
- Fourth of July
- Barbecue
- Lunar New Year
- Dragon dance
- Red envelope
- Diwali
- Hanukkah
- Eid
- St. Patrick's Day
- Leprechaun
- April Fools' Day
- Groundhog Day
- Earth Day
- Carnival
- Festival
- County fair
- Anniversary
- Retirement party
- Housewarming party
- Family reunion
- Block party
- Costume party
- Karaoke night
- Dance party
- Thank-you card
- Party invitation
- Photo booth
- Ice cream cake
- Goodie bag
- Musical chairs
- Pin the tail on the donkey
- Party blower
- Sparkler
- Long weekend
- Valentine card
- Bunny ears
- Lantern festival
- Birthday present
Christmas
- Santa Claus
- Reindeer
- Elf
- Christmas tree
- Ornament
- Tinsel
- Candy cane
- Gingerbread house
- Gingerbread man
- Stocking
- Chimney
- Sleigh
- North Pole
- Snowman
- Wreath
- Present
- Wrapping paper
- Gift bow
- Advent calendar
- Carolers
- Tree topper
- Christmas lights
- Fireplace
- Hot cocoa
- Christmas cookies
- Milk and cookies
- Christmas carol
- Jingle bells
- Nutcracker
- Snow globe
- Ugly sweater
- Christmas card
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas morning
- Santa's workshop
- Naughty or nice list
- Poinsettia
- Holly
- Pine cone
- Garland
- Angel
- Candle
- Fruitcake
- Christmas pudding
- Yule log
- Sled
- Christmas market
- Christmas dinner
- Letter to Santa
- Stocking stuffer
- Tree skirt
- Mince pie
- Christmas pajamas
- Gift tag
- Secret Santa
- Christmas play
- Christmas list
- Sleigh ride
- Snow angel
- Peppermint
- Gift box
- Roasted chestnuts
- Elf hat
- Santa hat
Thanksgiving
- Turkey
- Stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Gravy
- Pumpkin pie
- Sweet potato
- Corn on the cob
- Green bean casserole
- Dinner rolls
- Pecan pie
- Apple pie
- Cornbread
- Wishbone
- Parade
- Thanksgiving football
- Pilgrim
- Mayflower
- Harvest
- Cornucopia
- Fall leaves
- Pumpkin
- Scarecrow
- Hayride
- Family dinner
- Leftovers
- Kids' table
- Gravy boat
- Oven mitt
- Roasting pan
- Table setting
- Place card
- Centerpiece
- Napkin
- Hand turkey
- Pie crust
- Whipped cream
- Butternut squash
- Gourd
- Corn maze
- Apple cider
- Turkey trot
- Parade balloon
- Grandma's house
- Holiday traffic
- Nap on the couch
- Stretchy pants
- Black Friday
- Dessert table
- Second helping
- Pumpkin spice
- Candied yams
- Gratitude jar
- Plymouth Rock
- Pilgrim hat
- Bonnet
- Harvest moon
- Haystack
- Apple picking
- Pumpkin patch
- Folding table
- Tablecloth
- Thankful list
- Turkey baster
- Serving spoon
Movies & TV genres
- Cartoon
- Anime
- Sitcom
- Documentary
- Musical
- Western
- Superhero movie
- Science fiction
- Fantasy
- Mystery
- Detective show
- Cooking show
- Game show
- Talent show
- Reality show
- Nature documentary
- Sports broadcast
- Evening news
- Weather report
- Soap opera
- Talk show
- Quiz show
- Kids show
- Puppet show
- Monster movie
- Space adventure
- Pirate movie
- Dinosaur movie
- Time travel movie
- Road trip movie
- Coming-of-age movie
- Holiday movie
- Sports movie
- Dance movie
- Music video
- Silent film
- Black-and-white movie
- Stop-motion
- Claymation
- Mockumentary
- Biopic
- Historical drama
- Medical drama
- Courtroom drama
- Teen drama
- Family comedy
- Slapstick comedy
- Stand-up comedy
- Sketch comedy
- Animated movie
- Short film
- Movie trailer
- Sequel
- Prequel
- Remake
- Spin-off
- Miniseries
- Web series
- Cliffhanger
- Blooper reel
- Makeover show
- Home renovation show
- Baking competition
- Travel show
- Unboxing video
- Live stream
- Podcast
- Fairy tale
- Treasure hunt movie
- Robot movie
- Alien movie
- Talking animal movie
- Magic school story
Vehicles
- Car
- Bus
- Train
- Airplane
- Helicopter
- Sailboat
- Submarine
- Bicycle
- Motorcycle
- Scooter
- Truck
- Fire truck
- Ambulance
- Police car
- Taxi
- Tractor
- Bulldozer
- Dump truck
- Cement mixer
- Garbage truck
- Tow truck
- Ice cream truck
- Van
- Minivan
- Limousine
- Golf cart
- Hot air balloon
- Rocket
- Space shuttle
- Canoe
- Kayak
- Rowboat
- Ferry
- Cruise ship
- Yacht
- Jet ski
- Speedboat
- Hovercraft
- Blimp
- Glider
- Jet
- Cable car
- Gondola
- Tram
- Subway
- Monorail
- Steam train
- Race car
- Go-kart
- Snowmobile
- Unicycle
- Tandem bike
- Camper van
- Forklift
- Crane
- Excavator
- Pickup truck
- Convertible
- Horse and carriage
- Wagon
- Delivery van
- Double-decker bus
- School bus
- Fishing boat
- Tugboat
- Pedal boat
- Moon rover
Nature
- Tree
- Flower
- Leaf
- Grass
- Rock
- Mountain
- River
- Lake
- Ocean
- Waterfall
- Volcano
- Desert
- Forest
- Jungle
- Cave
- Island
- Cloud
- Rain
- Rainbow
- Thunderstorm
- Lightning
- Snowflake
- Sunrise
- Sunset
- Moon
- Star
- Sun
- Wind
- Tornado
- Hurricane
- Fog
- Hail
- Puddle
- Mud
- Sand dune
- Glacier
- Iceberg
- Canyon
- Valley
- Hill
- Meadow
- Pond
- Stream
- Swamp
- Coral reef
- Seashell
- Pebble
- Pine tree
- Palm tree
- Oak tree
- Acorn
- Sunflower
- Rose
- Tulip
- Daisy
- Cactus
- Moss
- Seed
- Branch
- Waves
- Earthquake
- Northern lights
- Shooting star
- Eclipse
- Frost
- Icicle
- Snow
- Beehive
- Bird's nest
- Spider web
- Anthill
- Waterlily
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
Clothes
- T-shirt
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Dress
- Skirt
- Sweater
- Hoodie
- Jacket
- Coat
- Raincoat
- Pajamas
- Socks
- Shoes
- Sneakers
- Boots
- Sandals
- Flip-flops
- Slippers
- Hat
- Baseball cap
- Beanie
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Mittens
- Belt
- Tie
- Bow tie
- Suit
- Vest
- Overalls
- Leggings
- Tracksuit
- Swimsuit
- Bathrobe
- Apron
- School uniform
- Cardigan
- Blouse
- Polo shirt
- Tank top
- Sweatpants
- Rain boots
- High heels
- Sunglasses
- Watch
- Necklace
- Bracelet
- Earrings
- Ring
- Handbag
- Wallet
- Umbrella
- Headband
- Hair clip
- Earmuffs
- Cowboy hat
- Tuxedo
- Kimono
- Poncho
- Denim jacket
- Lab coat
- Life jacket
- Helmet
- Ballet shoes
- Sun hat
- Bucket hat
- Winter coat
Hobbies
- Reading
- Painting
- Drawing
- Knitting
- Sewing
- Baking
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Fishing
- Camping
- Hiking
- Bird watching
- Photography
- Playing guitar
- Playing piano
- Playing drums
- Playing violin
- Dancing
- Video games
- Board games
- Chess
- Jigsaw puzzle
- Crossword
- Sudoku
- Card tricks
- Magic tricks
- Juggling
- Origami
- Scrapbooking
- Pottery
- Woodworking
- Stamp collecting
- Coin collecting
- Journaling
- Blogging
- Vlogging
- Kite flying
- Stargazing
- Model trains
- Building models
- Calligraphy
- Jewelry making
- Candle making
- Crochet
- Embroidery
- Quilting
- Flower arranging
- Bonsai
- Fishkeeping
- Karaoke
- Metal detecting
- Geocaching
- Picnic
- Cosplay
- Puzzle cube
- Paper airplanes
- Volunteering
- Learning languages
- Coding
- Puppetry
- Bike riding
- Collecting rocks
- Singing in a choir
- Making videos
- Comic books
Kids
- Teddy bear
- Doll
- Dollhouse
- Toy car
- Toy train
- Rubber duck
- Bubble bath
- Lullaby
- Bedtime story
- Nap time
- Pacifier
- Stroller
- Crib
- Baby bottle
- Diaper
- High chair
- Rocking horse
- Yo-yo
- Spinning top
- Marbles
- Hopscotch
- Hide-and-seek
- Tag
- Peekaboo
- Tooth fairy
- Lost tooth
- Piggy bank
- Sippy cup
- Bib
- Building blocks
- Modeling clay
- Finger paint
- Coloring book
- Sticker
- Juice box
- Treehouse
- Pillow fort
- Puppet
- Jack-in-the-box
- Slime
- Water balloon
- Bubble wand
- Sidewalk chalk
- Tricycle
- Trampoline
- Ball pit
- Bouncy castle
- Merry-go-round
- Monkey bars
- Sandcastle
- Bucket and spade
- Nursery rhyme
- Superhero cape
- Toy crown
- Tea party
- Toy box
- Action figure
- Stuffed animal
- Toy robot
- Kids' meal
- Story time
- Night-light
- Security blanket
- Play date
- Swing set
- Seesaw
- Sandbox
- Jump rope
- Playground slide
FAQ
How many players do you need for the imposter game?
Three is the minimum, but it gets good at five or more. With 8 to 12 players, try two imposters so the group has more to talk about.
What does the imposter see?
The imposter sees the category, such as Food or Vehicles, but not the secret word. That gives them just enough to bluff a clue that sounds right.
How do you win the imposter game?
The other players win if they vote out the imposter. The imposter wins if they are not caught, or if they are caught but then guess the secret word correctly.
Is this imposter game okay for kids?
Yes. Every word is a common, family-friendly noun, and the Kids, School and Animals categories are easy enough for children from about eight years old.
Can we play the imposter game without a phone?
Yes. Write the secret word on small papers, write Imposter on one, fold them and let each player draw one. The rest of the game works the same way.
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