General Lack of Directness:
* Indirect: Avoiding a direct approach.
* Evasive: Trying to avoid giving a clear answer.
* Circuitous: Taking a roundabout or winding route in speech.
* Ambiguous: Open to multiple interpretations, unclear.
* Vague: Lacking clarity or precision.
* Oblique: Not straightforward; implying something without saying it directly.
* Allusive: Making indirect references.
* Cryptic: Mysterious or puzzling; difficult to understand.
* Noncommittal: Not expressing a clear opinion or decision.
Deliberately Avoiding Directness:
* Devious: Using cunning or dishonest methods to achieve something.
* Shifty: Not to be trusted; evasive.
* Sneaky: Acting secretly and dishonestly.
* Manipulative: Skillfully influencing someone to do what you want.
* Underhanded: Secretly dishonest or unfair.
Due to Personality/Communication Style:
* Taciturn: Unwilling to talk much.
* Reserved: Keeping one's thoughts and feelings to oneself.
* Timid: Shy and nervous.
* Diplomatic: Skillful in dealing with people in a sensitive way, even if it means being less direct.
* Polished: Having a smooth and sophisticated manner of communication.
* Subtle: Delicate and understated.
Other:
* Beat around the bush: To avoid getting to the point.
* Dance around the issue: To avoid discussing a sensitive topic.
* Talk in circles: To repeat oneself without getting to the point.
* Hinting: Suggesting something indirectly.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the reason why the person is being indirect.