Thanksgiving Forbidden Words Game: Don’t Say That!
Can you describe “turkey” without saying “Thanksgiving” or “bird”?
How about “pie” without saying “pumpkin” or “dessert”?
This family-friendly Taboo-style Thanksgiving Forbidden Words game is a hilarious way to get everyone talking, laughing, and thinking fast!
The best part? It works for kids, teens, and adults, making it an easy choice for your Thanksgiving dinner, family gathering, Friendsgiving celebration, or holiday party.
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Ultimate Guide To Thanksgiving Forbidden Words Game
Objective
The goal of this game is to get your teammates to guess a word without using the forbidden words on the card, all within the time limit.
Supplies Needed
- List of Forbidden Words game words below or shop the easy-to-cut cards.
- A timer that makes a sound
- Game buzzer (or get creative—use anything that makes noise around the house, or just shout “buzz!”)
- Scorecard and pen
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How To Play Forbidden Words Game
1. Divide players into two teams. Each team will take turns giving clues.
2. The clue-giver from the first team draws a Forbidden Words card (use the words in order below if you don’t have the printable cards).
3. This player has 1 minute to describe the target word to their team without saying any of the forbidden words on that word list. Motions, pointing, or gestures are not allowed.
4. If the clue-giver says one of the forbidden words, the opposing team sounds the buzzer. That card does not earn a point.
5. The team scores one point for each correct guess within the time limit. If a forbidden word is said or if the clue-giver skips a card, no point is earned.
6. After the time is up, the next team takes their turn with a new clue-giver each time.
7. Play continues until all the forbidden words are used or a set time or score is reached. The team with the most points wins!
Related: Family-Friendly Forbidden Words Game
Thanksgiving Forbidden Words List
Use the Thanksgiving word cards below, or grab the printable version for an easier game-night setup.
| TURKEY | THANKSGIVING |
| bird gobble Thanksgiving meat feathers | November holiday dinner family feast |
| PIE | MASHED POTATOES |
| dessert crust pumpkin pecan whipped cream | butter gravy side dinner spud |
| GRAVY | STUFFING |
| sauce turkey mashed potatoes meat drizzle | bread turkey side celery Thanksgiving |
| CRANBERRY SAUCE | SWEET POTATOES |
| red berries jelly turkey round | orange marshmallows yam side casserole |
| PUMPKIN | ROLLS |
| orange pie gourd round Halloween | butter bread basket dinner yeast |
| PILGRIM | MAYFLOWER |
| Thanksgiving hat Mayflower Plymouth Rock settler | ship Pilgrims boat ocean Plymouth Rock |
| HARVEST | FEAST |
| fall crops farm corn gather | food meal Thanksgiving eat large |
| FAMILY | GRATITUDE |
| parents kids relatives grandparents cousins | thankful grateful appreciate prayer blessed |
| LEFTOVERS | FOOD COMA |
| refrigerator tomorrow containers extra food | full sleepy tired eat nap |
| BLACK FRIDAY | PARADE |
| shopping sales stores discounts deals | balloons Macy’s Thanksgiving float New York |
| FOOTBALL | TURKEY TROT |
| game touchdown throw sport ball | race run Thanksgiving exercise 5k |
| CORN | CORNUCOPIA |
| yellow vegetable cob butter harvest | horn harvest basket food centerpiece |
Related:
“Loved the game for my teenage granddaughters. They enjoy playing games and Taboo is one of their favorites. It was easy to download, print and play.” – Ronald M.
| APPLE PIE | PECAN PIE |
| dessert fruit cinnamon crust fall | nuts dessert pie syrup crust |
| PLACE SETTING | NAPKIN |
| plate fork knife napkin table | paper table clean food wipe |
| FORK | POTLUCK |
| spoon knife eat silverware tines | party food bring dish everyone |
| HOST | GUEST |
| house party guest invite serve | visitor invite party house host |
| COOKING | KITCHEN |
| food recipe chef oven prepare | stove food cook room refrigerator |
| DESSERT | WHIPPED CREAM |
| sweet cake pie dinner sugar | white topping pie dessert Cool Whip |
| CASSEROLE | FALL |
| dish oven side bake food | autumn November season cool leaves |
| LEAVES | FRIENDSGIVING |
| trees rake red orange fall | Thanksgiving party dinner games food |
| CYBER MONDAY | NOVEMBER |
| online shopping sales Amazon buy | Thanksgiving month days fall December |
| PUMPKIN ROLL | FULL |
| cream cheese round dessert sweet cake | stuffed dinner eat sleepy stomach |
| GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE | WISHBONE |
| onions vegetable side Thanksgiving tradition | break turkey pull make Thanksgiving |
| SHOPPING | CANDY CORN |
| Black Friday Cyber Monday sales deals electronics | triangle sweet yellow Halloween treat |
| OVEN | RECIPE |
| bake hot stove cook heat | ingredients cook directions food measure |
| PUMPKIN PATCH | FLOAT |
| orange field pick fall farm | parade Macy’s Thanksgiving move street |
| MARCHING BAND | KIDS’ TABLE |
| instruments parade drums group music | children table kids adults sit |
| PARTY | HOT CIDER |
| games food drinks treats friends | apple warm drink fall spice |
| PUMPKIN BREAD | FOOTBALL GAME |
| bake oven orange fall pie | teams afternoon play ball watch |
| FAMILY PHOTO | BALLOONS |
| picture camera smile gather together | parade Macy’s sky Spider Man strings |
Grab the Christmas Forbidden Words Cards along with other family-friendly games!
Alternative Rules For Playing Thanksgiving Forbidden Words
Rules can cater to the group that is playing.
- Allow younger kids to use some of the forbidden words if needed.
- Increase the time limit.
- Adults can team up with younger children to help explain the words or give clues.
- Let a player opt to pass on a card one time per game.
- Rule-breaking: Unique penalties can be added for breaking the rules. (Example: Do a push-up whenever you say the word on the paper during the game.) Or if a player breaks a rule of a round, the opposing team can gain a point.
More Thanksgiving Family Games
Looking for more ways to keep everyone entertained after the big meal? Try these fun Thanksgiving games:
- Thanksgiving Dice Game
- Most Fun Thanksgiving Friendly Feud
- Thanksgiving Guess That Price Game
- Who Is The Biggest Turkey? Game
Also, try out these Hilarious Thanksgiving Minute To Win It Games!
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