Crossword Genius

Uni crowds welcoming independent moderates (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mitigates

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This clue might be a double definition.

'uni crowds' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'welcoming independent moderates' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

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