General Indirectness:
* Circumspect: Careful to avoid risks or problems; cautious.
* Evasive: Avoiding direct or clear answers or actions.
* Oblique: Not straightforward; implied or hinted at rather than stated directly.
* Allusive: Making indirect references.
* Circuitous: Following a roundabout course or using indirect language.
Deceptive Indirectness:
* Devious: Using cunning or dishonest methods to achieve something.
* Sly: Cunning and secretive.
* Shifty: Looking dishonest or unable to be trusted.
* Machiavellian: Cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics.
Indirectness in Social Interaction:
* Subtle: Not obvious; hard to notice.
* Diplomatic: Skillful in dealing with people in a sensitive way.
* Tactful: Careful not to say or do anything that could upset or offend someone.
* Polite: Courteous and respectful.
The best word will depend on the context and the specific meaning you want to convey.