How to play the imposter game (rules and word list)

In the imposter game, everyone gets the same secret word except one player, the imposter. Each player gives a one-word clue, then the group votes. Catch the imposter and the group wins, miss and the imposter wins.

Versions differ a little. This is the most common one.

Free
3+ players (best with 4 to 8)
Quick rounds
Paper or phones

Last checked: November 2026

How to play

Pick a category and a secret word.
Choose one imposter at random. They get no word, or a close one.
Everyone checks their word in private.
Take turns giving a one-word clue. Don't say the word itself.
Talk it over, then everyone votes at once.
Reveal. If the imposter got the most votes, the group wins. If not, the imposter wins.In some versions, a caught imposter can still win by guessing the word.

Imposter game words

Easy words work best, because a bad clue stands out.

Food

pizza
burger
pancakes
ice cream
spaghetti
tacos
popcorn
sushi

Places

beach
airport
library
hospital
zoo
school
cinema
supermarket

Animals

dog
cat
lion
penguin
shark
elephant
horse
frog

Everyday things

toothbrush
umbrella
phone
pillow
backpack
mirror
keys
socks

Movies and TV

Frozen
Toy Story
Shrek
Harry Potter
Star Wars
Finding Nemo
Spider-Man
SpongeBob

Tip: pick words with a few close cousins (pizza, burger) so the imposter can bluff.

Variations

The imposter gets a close word, like "lake" instead of "river".
Two imposters, for groups of 9 or more.
Draw a quick sketch or answer a question instead of giving a word.
No phones: paper slips in a hat and a kitchen timer.
Let a free word site deal the roles and run the timer, so nobody sits out as host.

Tips

If you're the imposter

Listen to every clue before yours.
Give a clue that fits lots of words, like "summer".
Don't be the first to accuse.

If you're on the team

Make your clue clear to friends but useless to the imposter.
Watch for safe clues that would fit anything.
Notice who votes fast without a reason.

Cartoon players on a sofa playing trivia on their phones

Want a trivia version? Know-it-all

Know-it-all is a trivia game, not the word game. Your group answers trivia together while secret imposters, who see the answers, steer you wrong.

For the word game, the steps above are all you need. For a big group with nothing to prepare, give it a go.

Free
4 to 50 players
Just phones, TV optional
No download, no sign-up
About 20 minutes

Start a Know-it-all game How it works

Quick answers (FAQ)

How do you play the imposter game?

Everyone gets the same secret word except the imposter. Each player gives a one-word clue, then the group votes. Catch the imposter and the group wins. Miss, and the imposter wins.

How many players do you need for the imposter game?

Usually 3 or more, and it plays best with 4 to 8. Know-it-all, the trivia game on this site, works differently: it takes 4 to 50 players.

Is the imposter game the same as Among Us?

No. Among Us is a video game where crewmates do tasks and impostors sabotage them. The imposter game is a word game you play out loud. Both have one hidden liar.

Can you play the imposter game online for free?

Yes. Lots of free word sites and apps run it, or you can play over a video call. Know-it-all is a free trivia version that runs in your browser with no download.

Other social deduction games