Free Word Lists / Graduation Party Ideas

Graduation Party Pictionary

Free word list and guide for throwing a drawing game at your graduation party, with tips to personalize it for the graduate you're celebrating.

Last updated: May 2026

How to use this list

Copy the words below and paste them into the Word List Editor in SketchParty TV. Each word or phrase is on its own line; that's the format the editor expects. You can also paste into Notes or Pages first, edit out any words you don't want, then paste into the app.

After you have the starter list loaded, scroll down for ideas on adding personalized words that reference the specific graduate: their school, hobbies, inside jokes, and future plans. Those custom words are what make the game unforgettable. Full instructions for making word lists →

Graduation word list (70+ words)

cap gown tassel diploma scroll mortarboard stage podium microphone valedictorian salutatorian principal dean alma mater class ring yearbook senior photo honor cord stole locker backpack textbook lunch tray school bus mascot gymnasium cafeteria prom homecoming pep rally study hall detention hallway bell report card science fair algebra chemistry periodic table microscope Shakespeare paintbrush calculator globe history book college dorm suitcase moving box airplane ticket road trip internship resume briefcase lab coat stethoscope hard hat badge balloon arch banner confetti streamers photo booth graduation cake graduation cap cookies punch bowl gift card bouquet party hat sash trophy medal fireworks

Make it personal: customize the list for your graduate

The starter list covers the universal graduation experience. The real magic happens when you add 20–30 words that only the people in that room would know. Here are the categories to brainstorm: pick the ones that feel right and add them alongside the words above.

Their school

  • • School name and nickname (e.g., "Lincoln" → Lincoln Hawk)
  • • School mascot (Tigers, Wolverines, etc.)
  • • Rival school name
  • • A favorite teacher's name or subject
  • • The club or team they led or starred in
  • • A famous school tradition or event

Their interests & hobbies

  • • Sports they played (position, number, team name)
  • • Instruments they play
  • • Video games, shows, or artists they're obsessed with
  • • Books or movies they quote constantly
  • • Their signature hobby or collection

Inside jokes & memories

  • • Nicknames or catchphrases only the group knows
  • • A memorable trip, event, or "remember when" moment
  • • Their car, their pet, their go-to food order
  • • The prom story, the senior skip day, the legendary game

Future plans

  • • College or trade school they're attending (and its mascot)
  • • Intended major or field of study
  • • Dream job or career
  • • City or state they're moving to
  • • Gap-year destination if they're taking one

Their friend group

  • • Best friends' first names
  • • The group nickname or squad name
  • • The friend group's signature hangout spot or activity

Once you have your personalized words, add them to the list in the Word List Editor right alongside the starter words above. Mix them together so personal clues are scattered throughout the game rather than saved for the end. How to use the Word List Editor →

Tips for graduation party play

  • • Mix easy starter words with personal clues so everyone, grandparents included, has a fair shot.
  • • Split teams as "Class of [Year]" vs. family & guests for a natural rivalry.
  • • Connect an Apple TV to the living room or backyard screen so the whole party can watch every drawing.
  • • Turn on text-to-speech in SketchParty TV to read the correct answer aloud after each clue; great for guests who can't see the screen clearly.
  • • Keep rounds short (1–2 words per turn) if you're playing near cake time… people wander.

Ready to play? Build your custom list.

The Word List Editor in SketchParty TV makes it easy to paste in these words, add your personal ones, and start drawing in minutes.