Pictionary Action Words
Thirty-five verbs. Actions are easier than objects for some players because the pose tells the whole story — a running figure is unmistakable.
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Pictionary Action Words — full list (36 words)
Easy (35)
- swimming
- skiing
- fishing
- cooking
- painting
- dancing
- sleeping
- reading
- gardening
- running
- jumping
- climbing
- throwing
- catching
- kicking
- riding a bike
- driving
- flying
- sailing
- rowing
- skateboarding
- snowboarding
- ice skating
- hiking
- camping
- baking
- washing
- cleaning
- writing
- typing
- singing
- shouting
- whispering
- laughing
- thinking
Medium (1)
- surfing
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How to play
- Draw the pose, not the scenery. A single figure mid-stride reads as running; a field with a small figure does not.
- Use motion lines and arrows. They are allowed and they save a lot of guessing time.
- Some verbs look identical when drawn (walking vs hiking). Add one context clue — a hill, a map — and stop there.
- For a harder variant, ban motion lines. It makes every action word noticeably more difficult.
FAQ
What are easy action words to draw?
Swimming, dancing, running, sleeping, fishing and cooking — each has one distinctive pose or prop.
How do you draw "whispering"?
Draw two heads close together with a hand cupped to a mouth. The posture does the work.
Are action words easier than objects?
For many players, yes. A pose carries meaning directly, whereas an object drawing can be ambiguous.
Can you use motion lines in Pictionary?
Yes, they are generally allowed and helpful. Ban them if you want a harder game.