Hidden roles
Imposter Word Game
Also called Impostor, Who's the Spy?, Undercover
Everyone gets the same secret word except one imposter; give one-word clues, then vote on who is faking it.
- people
- 4–12
- time
- 15 min
- energy
- Medium
- materials
- Household items
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Pick a category everyone knows, such as food, animals or places. Secretly hand each player the word — one player gets a slip that says 'imposter' instead.
- 1Each player in turn gives a single-word clue linked to the secret word.
- 2The imposter has to bluff a clue that sounds right without knowing the word.
- 3After two rounds of clues, everyone votes on who the imposter is.
- 4If the imposter is caught, they get one guess at the word — a correct guess still wins for them.
Cards for this game36
Edit them now. Host mode deals them one at a time, big enough for the room.
36 cards
- Birthday
- Umbrella
- Airport
- Pizza
- Elephant
- Teacher
- Rainbow
- Camera
- Beach
- Library
- Grocery
- Mirror
- Bicycle
- Pillow
- Candle
- Wedding
- Doctor
- Spaghetti
- Firefighter
- Passport
- Treasure
- Backpack
- Karaoke
- Elevator
- Traffic jam
- Fireworks
- Notebook
- Volcano
- Pineapple
- Photographer
- Meeting
- Deadline
- Souvenir
- Blueprint
- Telescope
- Lighthouse
What to say3
- 1“Everybody check your word — and keep your face straight!”
- 2“One word each. Not too obvious, or the imposter will figure it out!”
- 3“Three, two, one — point at the imposter!”
Host tips3
- The first clue-giver has the hardest job. Rotate who starts each round so the same person isn't always under suspicion.
- Clues that are too obvious hand the word to the imposter. Show an example of a good, sideways clue before you start.
- Very broad words (like 'food') make every clue sound right and the game drags. Pick specific, familiar words.
Variants2
Two imposters
For 8 or more players, deal two imposters who do not know about each other.
Close word
Give the imposter a similar but different word (adobo vs. sinigang) — they may not even know they are the imposter.
Good for
Occasions
ChristmasTeam buildingBirthdayReunionRetreatFarewell partySchool
Venues
Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOfficeChurch hallOnline