Party games

The imposter game

Everyone knows the secret word, except one of you. Give clues, bluff, vote. One phone, passed around.

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🕵️Imposter (word game)

3–12 players · kids, teens, adults · a phone · about 10 min

Everyone gets the same secret word except the imposter, who has to bluff. Pass one phone around.

  1. Pass the phone round: each player taps to see the secret word, then hides it.
  2. One player (the imposter) sees "You are the imposter" instead.
  3. Going round, everyone says one word linked to the secret word. Not too obvious, not too vague.
  4. After two rounds, vote on who the imposter is.
  5. If you catch them, the imposter gets one guess at the word to steal the win.
Play it here

Imposter game: questions

How do you play the imposter game?

Everyone gets the same secret word on the phone except one player, the imposter. Going round, each player says one word linked to the secret word. Then everyone votes on who the imposter is. If they get caught, the imposter can still win by guessing the word.

How many players do you need?

Three to twelve. With six or more you can play with two imposters.

What makes a good clue?

Close enough to prove you know the word, vague enough that the imposter can't guess it. For "Pizza", "Friday" is a great clue; "cheese" is too easy.

Word lists

Food

Pizza, Sushi, Pancakes, Taco, Spaghetti, Burger, Ice cream, Popcorn, Croissant, Hummus, Curry, Doughnut, Omelette, Chocolate, Salad, Watermelon, Cheese, Soup, Falafel, Hot dog, Biryani, Kebab, Cupcake, Noodles, Avocado, Lasagne, Dumplings, Waffles, Mango, Fries

Animals

Penguin, Giraffe, Octopus, Kangaroo, Owl, Shark, Camel, Panda, Flamingo, Spider, Elephant, Snail, Dolphin, Parrot, Crocodile, Bat, Hedgehog, Lion, Bee, Cow, Sloth, Frog, Horse, Turtle, Peacock, Wolf, Squirrel, Jellyfish, Gorilla, Zebra

Places

Beach, Airport, Hospital, Library, Cinema, Supermarket, Gym, Zoo, Desert, Castle, Train station, Museum, Wedding, School, Space station, Submarine, Campsite, Pyramid, Ski resort, Dentist, Football stadium, Night club, Farm, Hotel, Bakery, Prison, Circus, Casino, Jungle, Lift

Jobs

Pilot, Chef, Dentist, Firefighter, Teacher, Astronaut, Plumber, Magician, Lawyer, Farmer, Detective, Hairdresser, Lifeguard, Photographer, Judge, Nurse, Builder, DJ, Postman, Vet, Scientist, Clown, Taxi driver, Spy, Gardener, Pharmacist, Waiter, Surgeon, Influencer, Accountant

Everyday things

Umbrella, Toothbrush, Mirror, Candle, Backpack, Scissors, Pillow, Ladder, Guitar, Clock, Balloon, Sunglasses, Wallet, Kite, Hammer, Bicycle, Telescope, Fridge, Remote control, Treasure chest, Crown, Rubber duck, Map, Headphones, Tent, Skateboard, Glove, Key, Trampoline, Suitcase

Sports

Football, Tennis, Swimming, Golf, Boxing, Skiing, Surfing, Basketball, Cricket, Chess, Bowling, Yoga, Karate, Cycling, Volleyball, Rowing, Archery, Fencing, Climbing, Marathon, Ice hockey, Baseball, Darts, Horse riding, Table tennis, Diving, Wrestling, Snowboarding, Rugby, Padel

Use them for forehead guessing, charades or Pictionary too.

Just for fun. Our games, results and the lie detector are entertainment: they can't read minds or detect lies. Facts are checked against the sources shown; if you spot a mistake, tell us. Full disclaimer