n. 25B6; verb
the tsar's attempts to dictate policy : PRESCRIBE, lay down, impose, set down, order, command, decree, ordain, direct, determine, decide, control, govern.
you are in no position to dictate to me : GIVE ORDERS TO, order about/around, lord it over; lay down the law; informal boss about/around, push around/about, throw one's weight about/around.
choice is often dictated by availability : DETERMINE, control, govern, decide, influence, affect.
25B6; noun the dictates of his superior : ORDER, command, commandment, decree, edict, ruling, dictum, diktat, directive, direction, instruction, pronouncement, mandate, requirement, stipulation, injunction, demand; formal ordinance; poetic/literary behest.