"Guess the Imposter" Word Game: Categories, Strategy, & How to Play

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Find out who doesn’t know the secret word in this TikTok party game

Co-authored by Hunter Rising Reviewed by Ashton Wu

Last Updated: January 17, 2026 Fact Checked

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How to Play

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Categories & Secret Words

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Game Variation

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Finding the Imposter

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Imposter Strategy

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Video

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Tips

Do you want to get in on the “Guess the Imposter” challenge making its way around TikTok? This viral game has you giving clues to a secret word so you can find the hidden imposter among your friends, and the rules are super simple to learn. Keep reading, and we’ll cover how to play in person, plus provide secret words and basic strategies.

Guess the Imposter Challenge: Quick Rules

To play “Guess the Imposter,” give one person a paper that says “Imposter” and everyone else the same secret word. Take turns giving one-word clues, and try to say similar words to blend in as the imposter. Everyone votes on who they think is the imposter, and the group gets points if they’re right.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Play "Guess the Imposter" Word Game

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1
Tear a strip of paper for each player. Guess the Imposter is best when you have at least 3 players, but it’s even better with more people. Count the number of people playing and tear enough pieces of paper so that everyone has one.
- If you’d rather play using your phone, a popular iPhone/Android app called Imposter WHO? lets you play without any paper. You can also use the browser-based version via Imposter.app. The benefit is that you don't have to think of words yourself, the app does it all for you.
- If you’re planning on playing multiple rounds, rip some extra paper strips for each person.
2
Choose a secret word and write it on all but one of the strips. On the remaining strip, write the word “IMPOSTER”. Fold all the strips in half and mix them together. The player who chose the word sits out this round. Alternatively, that player may participate, but must not receive the “IMPOSTER” strip when the papers are handed out, otherwise the game will not work.^{[1]
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- Need some inspiration to get started? Check out our recommendations for secret words for your first games!
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3
Hand the strips out randomly to the players. Shuffle all the folded strips of paper together, tell everyone the category for the round, and have players take turns choosing one. Everyone can look at their own strip of paper, but keep it a secret from everyone else. While most of the group will read the same word, one person won’t know the real word.
- Example: If the secret word is “apple”, tell everyone that the category is “food”.
4
Take turns giving clues or answers about the secret word. Each clue should be a single word that describes or is related to it. Once everyone has gotten their strip, choose one player to give the first clue. Continue taking turns until everyone has given a clue.^{[2]
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- Example: If the secret word is “Apple,” some potential clues could be:
  - Delicious
  - Crisp
  - Juice
  - Teacher
- If you’re the imposter, say a word that you think might be related. Even if you don’t know the secret word, try to say a word that’s similar to one that’s already been said.
- Do 1 round of clues if you want a quick game, or do 2-3 rounds and say new words each time for more of a challenge.
5
Discuss and vote on who you think is the imposter. After everyone gives their clues, talk to each other to suss out the imposter. Ask about the clues they gave, and have people explain their answers. After about one minute, point at the person you think is the imposter. Whoever has the most votes is who gets chosen.
- Jump down to our strategy section to learn how to stay hidden as an imposter.
6
Give points to the group or the imposter. If the person you voted for was the imposter, then everyone who got the secret word in the beginning gets one point. If the person you chose wasn’t the imposter, the imposter reveals themselves and earns one point.
- After the round, the imposter has a chance to guess the secret word. If the imposter gets the word correct, they earn 1 bonus point for the round too!
7
Play more rounds with new strips of paper. Choose a new person to pick a word or prompt, and hand out a new set of paper strips. Keep playing the game until everyone has a chance to give a secret word or until you want to stop.
- Whoever has the most points at the end of the game is the ultimate winner!

Section 2 of 5:

"Guess the Imposter" Categories & Secret Words

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Try these fun categories and secret words for inspiration. The secret word can be anything you imagine, but it’s best if you choose something that everyone is familiar with. Find a category that interests you and use one of these words for your first round. As you get better at the game, pepper in some more challenging words for even more fun.
- Objects
  - Easy: Book, chair, stairs, knife, window, bed, foot, clock, backpack, pencil
  - Hard: Gasoline, crown, sandals, souvenirs, trumpet, roof, gloves, building
- Animals
  - Easy: Dog, cat, bird, turtle, fish, lizard, frog, elephant, puppy, fly, monkey, mouse
  - Hard: Hedgehog, sloth, dragonfly, rhinoceros, platypus, kangaroo, bumblebee, panda
- Food
  - Easy: Pizza, cheeseburger, sandwich, apple, cookies, milk, spaghetti, cheese, carrot
  - Hard: Broccoli, lasagna, caviar, sushi, cucumber, chicken nuggets, hummus, cupcake
- Technology
  - Easy: Cell phone, laptop, computer, TV, headphones, camera, tablet
  - Hard: iPod, VR headset, laser pointer, drone, flash drive, webcam, smart watch
- Nature
  - Easy: Tree, forest, flowers, rain, ocean, snow, fire, stones, planet, the moon
  - Hard: Desert, northern lights, solar eclipse, pond, crystals, cave, hurricane, thunderstorm
- Places
  - Easy: Beach, grocery store, park, zoo, library, school, England, kitchen, hospital, hotel
  - Hard: Airport, Mount Rushmore, Disneyworld, apartment, Eiffel Tower, backyard, bakery, treehouse
- School
  - Easy: Notebook, pen, math, recess, homework, teacher, desk, lunch, textbook, gym class
  - Hard: Essay, geometry, school paper, your school mascot, chemistry, debate club, whiteboard
- Movies
  - Easy: Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, Toy Story, Home Alone, Austin Powers, Jurassic Park, Superman
  - Hard: The Matrix, Forrest Gump, The Godfather, Alien, The Avengers, Joker, Coco, Mad Max: Fury Road
- Famous People
  - Easy: Elvis, Albert Einstein, LeBron James, Lady Gaga, Barack Obama, Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon
  - Hard: Walt Disney, Daniel Radcliffe, Gandhi, Brad Pitt, Kobe Bryant, Katy Perry, Leonardo da Vinci
- Hobbies
  - Easy: Reading, football, drawing, board games, dancing, gardening, fishing
  - Hard: Karaoke, disc golf, mountain biking, DJing, cosplay, birdwatching, podcasting

Section 3 of 5:

Guess the Imposter Game Variation

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In some variations of the Guess the Imposter game, all the players except one get the same question to answer. Asking the imposter a similar but different prompt adds a new twist to the game. These questions are sure to get a variety of answers and create a lot of fun discussions as you figure out who’s the imposter.
- Where do you want to take your dream vacation?
  - Imposter prompt: Name a state or country.
- What is your least favorite fast food restaurant?
  - Imposter prompt: Name a restaurant in your area.
- Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
  - Imposter prompt: Name the last celebrity you saw in a movie.
- How many days is it okay to go without showering?
  - Imposter prompt: Write a number 1-30.
- What actor could you beat in a fight?
  - Imposter prompt: Who is your favorite actor?
- What is the best food to order on a first date?
  - Imposter prompt: What appetizer do you like to eat?
- Which person here is the most likely to commit a crime?
  - Imposter prompt: Write down the name of someone in the group.
- If you could go back in time to meet one person, who would it be?
  - Imposter prompt: What historical figure is the most influential?
- How many people would show up to your birthday party?
  - Imposter prompt: Write down any number below 100.
- How old do you think someone should be when they get married?
  - Imposter prompt: Choose a number between 18 and 100.
- What household item would you bring to a desert island?
  - Imposter prompt: What’s the last household item you used?
- If you could turn into one animal, what would it be?
  - Imposter prompt: What is the ugliest animal?
- Who is the first person you’d call if there were an emergency?
  - Imposter prompt: Write down a contact from your phone.
- How many times do you go to the bathroom during the day?
  - Imposter prompt: Write a number between 1 and 10.
- What athlete do you think you could beat at their own sport?
  - Imposter prompt: What athlete is your favorite?

Section 4 of 5:

Strategies for Finding the Imposter

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When someone’s lying or feeling nervous, their body language might give them away. If someone suddenly seems like they’re on edge at the start of the round, it could be a sign they’re the imposter. Other body language signs may include avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, or using fewer hand movements.^{[3]
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2
Give clues that are clear to your team but not to the traitor. Even though you don’t want people to think you’re the imposter, you don’t want the imposter to figure out the secret word either! When you’re thinking of a clue to give, try to choose a vague word that could mean a lot of things. The other people who know the word will probably get what you mean, but it’ll confuse the traitor.
- Example: If the secret word is “pencil,” you might give clues like, “wooden,” “sharp,” “functional,” or “school.”
If you’re ever confused by someone’s clue, ask them to explain their reasoning. Listen carefully as they explain themselves, and push harder if you’re not getting the answers you want. If they’re lying, they’ll feel the pressure and may get more flustered.

Section 5 of 5:

Tricks for Blending in as an Imposter

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Even though it can be pretty stressful when you’re the only imposter trying to blend in, try to keep your cool. Right when you get the slip of paper, act the same as you would if you knew the secret word. If you were chatty with your friends before, keep chatting with them, or keep quiet if that’s how you’ve played other rounds.
Hesitating before you give a clue might make someone think you’re taking too long coming up with a lie. Even if you aren’t sure what the secret word is, answer quickly and confidently when they’re thinking of something to say. The other players just might believe you!
3
Give clues that are similar to what other players have said. If other players give clues before you, listen carefully to the words they’re saying and think of how they’re related. When it’s your turn, choose another word that fits in with the others so you don’t stand out too much.
- Example: If players have said words like “sand” and “umbrella,” there’s a chance the secret word is “beach.” You might say a vague word like “tan” or “relaxing” to blend in.
If you notice someone else is hesitating or stumbling over their words, it’s the perfect opportunity to point your finger at them. Say to the group that they’re acting suspiciously and start pressing them with more questions. If you can convince other people in the group that someone else is the imposter, then you’ll stay safe and earn a point.

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If you’re looking for more games with hidden imposters and traitors, check out our recommendations for social deduction games to play right now!

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