The phrase "looks to" carries a connotation of reliance and dependence on a particular person or thing. To convey this idea, one can use synonyms like "depends on," "counts on," "relies upon," "trusts," "banks on," or "expects." Depending on the context, other words that can substitute for "looks to" include "seeks guidance from," "follows the lead of," "takes cues from," "models after," or "emulates." These words can help to accurately depict the level of trust and confidence one has in a particular individual or entity and highlight the extent to which they rely on them for guidance or direction.