1,500+ charades words and ideas, sorted by category

Every word list in upheads, free to read, copy or play. 1,500+ words across 30 categories — easy ones for kids, tricky ones for adults, plus actions to act out. Pick a list below, or hit play and let the game deal the words for you.

No app, no download, no sign-up — it runs in your browser on any phone.

How to use these lists

There are two ways to play. The old-fashioned way: print or copy a list, cut the words into slips, drop them in a bowl and take turns. The quick way: tap play — upheads deals the words on your phone, times the round and keeps score, and no word repeats in the same session, so nobody gets a word someone else already had.

Whichever way you go, the rules are the same. One person is the guesser and must not see the word. Everybody else acts it out, describes it or gives clues — without saying the word itself or anything that rhymes with it. Keep rounds to 60 seconds; short rounds keep the energy high.

Pick a category

Playing with a big group?

Split into teams. upheads has a built-in teams mode for 2–4 teams: it passes the turn from team to team, keeps a cumulative scoreboard and makes sure every team gets fresh words.

Frequently asked questions

More game ideas

Ready to play?

Grab one phone, gather everyone around and start a round. Every deck is unlocked and it is free.